A highly anticipated Israeli security cabinet meeting, set to discuss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial proposal for a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, has been postponed, sources confirmed. The delay comes as deep divisions within the government and military leadership surface over the feasibility and consequences of the plan, which aims to take complete control of the Palestinian territory after nearly two years of conflict with Hamas.
Israeli officials had briefed local and international media that Netanyahu was pushing for an expansive offensive to “fully occupy” Gaza, a move he described as necessary to defeat Hamas and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages. The plan, however, has sparked significant resistance, revealing fractures within Israel’s leadership. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and internationally.
Military analysts highlighted the risks, noting that hostages could be executed by Hamas if Israeli forces advance into areas where captives are held. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of captives, condemned the plan as prioritising territorial control over the lives of hostages, with polls indicating that 75 per cent of Israelis favour a ceasefire deal to secure their release.
Internationally, the plan has raised alarms. The United Nations and humanitarian organisations have warned that a full occupation would exacerbate Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis, with at least 61,020 Palestinians reported killed and 150,671 injured since October 7, 2023.
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