Israel’s political-security cabinet approved a plan Friday to take control of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the enclave, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues his push for total victory over Hamas.
The plan, first reported by Axios, calls for evacuating civilians from Gaza City and launching a ground offensive. It is part of Netanyahu’s broader vision — revealed in a Fox News interview Thursday — to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip before eventually handing governance to “Arab forces” that would ensure security and prevent Hamas’ return.
“We don’t want to keep it… We want a security perimeter,” Netanyahu said. “We want to hand it over to Arab forces… That’s not possible with Hamas.”
Resistance Inside Israel’s Leadership
Reports describe this week’s meeting with military chief Eyal Zamir as tense, with Zamir pushing back on expanding operations. Cabinet sources say alternative proposals would not achieve the defeat of Hamas or the return of hostages.
The plan will still need approval from Israel’s full cabinet, which could meet Sunday. Right-wing members have long criticized Israel’s 2005 Gaza withdrawal for enabling Hamas to seize power