Netanyahu Cabinet Greenlights Gaza City Takeover Amid Deep Divisions

Israel’s security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial plan to take over Gaza City, a decision met with significant opposition from top security officials who warned it would endanger remaining hostages. The approval came despite vehement objections from National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Mossad Chief David Barnea.

Hanegbi reportedly told the security cabinet on Thursday night, “I don’t understand how someone who saw the videos of [hostages] Evyatar [David] and Rom [Braslavski] as well as all the others that were published before them can say: ‘Everything or nothing.’ This decision risks the immediate saving of 10 hostages.” He, along with Zamir, argued that controlling Gaza City would jeopardize the lives of the estimated 20 remaining living hostages out of 50 still held in Gaza.

The plan, which aims to defeat Hamas, mandates a civilian evacuation of Gaza City by October 7, 2025, coinciding with the second anniversary of Hamas’s initial attack. Following this two-month window, the IDF is set to launch a ground offensive and siege on the densely populated area, where many believe the remaining hostages are held. The decision notably avoids the term “occupy” for legal reasons, opting for “taking over,” though officials indicate it implies full military rule.

While Defense Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer supported the proposal, far-right ministers like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir pushed for a complete occupation, rejecting any halfway measures. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara also cautioned the cabinet about international law responsibilities for the population under occupation, a concern Netanyahu reportedly dismissed.

Hostage families fiercely protested the decision in Tel Aviv on Thursday night, clashing with police and blocking roads. They argue that military pressure has failed to secure hostage releases and urge the government to agree to a ceasefire deal. Netanyahu, however, maintains that ending the war without a full takeover would allow Hamas to regroup, aligning with his far-right coalition partners who advocate for permanent control of the Strip.

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