Israeli security cabinet approves Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza City

Israel’s political-security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. The decision comes just hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel intended to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip. The move has sparked both domestic protests and global criticism over the nearly two-year-old war.

Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will prepare for a full takeover of Gaza City. The plan also includes providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat areas. Gaza City, the largest in the enclave, is located in the north.

According to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, the plan will begin with the evacuation of Palestinian civilians. After that, Israel is expected to launch a ground offensive. Netanyahu confirmed in a Fox News interview that Israel aims to secure the entire coastal strip. However, he said the country does not want to govern Gaza. Instead, he suggested handing it to Arab forces, without naming which countries could be involved.

The statement followed a tense meeting earlier this week between Netanyahu and military chief Eyal Zamir, who reportedly opposed expanding the campaign. Netanyahu’s office said most cabinet members believe other proposals would fail to defeat Hamas or secure the release of Israeli hostages.

Any final decision will need full cabinet approval, which may come as early as Sunday. One possible plan is a phased military takeover of areas not yet under Israeli control, with civilians given several weeks to evacuate before the army moves in.

If fully implemented, this would reverse Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza. Right-wing politicians blame that move for allowing Hamas to win elections in 2006 and take control of the territory.

Hamas has rejected Netanyahu’s plan, calling it a “blatant coup” against peace talks. The group accused him of risking the lives of hostages still held in Gaza. Jordan has also said Arab countries will only support governance agreed upon by Palestinians.

Meanwhile, protests are growing in Israel. Hundreds gathered outside Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem on Thursday night, demanding an end to the war in exchange for the release of all hostages. Many expressed anger at the government’s handling of the crisis.

The United Nations has called reports of the planned expansion “deeply alarming.” International concern is also rising over the humanitarian situation in Gaza as the conflict continues with no clear end in sight.