Israel’s security cabinet is poised to approve a major expansion of military operations in Gaza, including potential full occupation of the territory. The shift marks a new phase in the nearly two-year conflict with Hamas, driven by collapsed ceasefire talks and mounting pressure to free Israeli hostages.
A Tuesday meeting of the Security Cabinet is expected to endorse a plan authorizing broader military incursions into parts of Gaza previously avoided. The new strategy would move beyond isolated raids to long-term occupation, allowing sustained Israeli control over much of the enclave. Earlier in May, the cabinet unanimously approved a plan to gradually seize and hold Gaza indefinitely if peace negotiations falter by mid-May.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Israeli media, has committed to a full occupation of Gaza despite objections from military leadership over risks to hostages still held by Hamas. A senior aide declared, “the die is cast—we are going for a full occupation,” warning that dissenting senior officers should resign.
Domestically, public opinion and security officials remain divided. A group of 19 former Israeli commanders has publicly criticized the occupation plan, arguing that it prioritizes land control over hostages’ safety and threatens Israel’s strategic standing. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s broader goals of defeating Hamas and pressure for complete submission of hostages have gained traction among the far right and ideological allies.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated sharply. More than 80% of the territory is now designated as evacuation or military zones. Many residents have been ordered into a sparsely supplied “humanitarian zone” near Rafah, raising alarms about severe overcrowding and inadequate food, water, and medical services.
Internationally, urgency is growing as U.S.-backed ceasefire proposals collapse. Envoy Steve Witkoff attempted to secure a hostage exchange through a new plan, but Hamas rejected its terms. Netanyahu is now reportedly aligning with a more aggressive “all or nothing” strategy, reinforcing Israeli resolve to reclaim Gaza militarily while rejecting limited truce proposals.
