Security Cabinet to Deliberate on Gaza Strategy

Israel’s Security Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to deliberate on strategic actions concerning the ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This meeting comes as the nearly two-year-old war shows no signs of resolution. One of the key topics on the agenda is the potential re-occupation of Gaza, a move that would involve taking full control of the Palestinian enclave and expanding military operations into previously avoided areas.

Insights from Israeli Media and Government Sources

According to Amit Segal, a journalist for Channel 12, a source from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated that a decision has been reached to occupy Gaza. The source emphasized that Hamas is unlikely to release hostages without a complete surrender, warning that failure to act could result in hostages dying from starvation while Gaza remains under Hamas control.

Failed Ceasefire Talks and International Pressure

The reports of intensifying military operations follow the collapse of mediated ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Despite efforts by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who visited Israel recently, no agreement has been reached to end the conflict. The situation has drawn international scrutiny, with increasing pressure on Israel to conclude the war amid accusations that its policies are exacerbating famine conditions in Gaza.

Internal Divisions Within Israeli Leadership

Within Israel, there is growing pressure to resolve the hostage crisis involving approximately 50 individuals still held in Gaza. The country’s leadership is divided over how best to achieve this goal. Some government ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, advocate for re-occupying Gaza and re-establishing Jewish settlements dismantled two decades ago. However, the Israeli military reportedly opposes this plan and is expected to propose alternative strategies during the upcoming cabinet meeting.