Israel’s Security Cabinet is expected to convene Tuesday to discuss the next phase of its nearly two-year war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
According to local media, the agenda includes the possibility of taking full control of the enclave.
“The direction is the defeat of Hamas and full occupation of the Strip,” a source told Israel-based news outlet Ynet. “There will also be operations in areas where hostages are being held.”
According to Ynet, U.S. President Donald Trump has given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the green light to launch a more aggressive military operation against Hamas in Gaza.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir earlier advised cabinet ministers against ordering an expansion of military operations in the Gaza Strip, warning that it could significantly endanger the lives of hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave.
50 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to still be alive.
“I am in favor of defeating Hamas,” Zamir said in July, as quoted by local media outlets. “But the more we deepen the operation now, the more we endanger the hostages.”
Amid disagreements between Israel’s political and military leadership, an official said: “If [the decision] doesn’t suit the chief of staff, he can resign.”
Reports of a possible escalation in Gaza come after months-long mediated ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas appeared to collapse earlier this week. This follows assurances from U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who visited Israel over the weekend, that he is working on a plan to end the war.
