Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present a plan to fully reoccupy the Gaza Strip at a forthcoming meeting with his security cabinet, according to Israeli media reports.
The proposal comes despite mounting domestic and international opposition, including from within Israel’s own military leadership. Reports suggest army chief Herzi Halevi and other senior officers oppose the plan, prompting an official to say to local journalists: “If that doesn’t work for the chief of staff, he should resign.”
The proposed reoccupation, which would mark the first time Israel has held full control over Gaza since its 2005 withdrawal, would see Israeli forces enter areas still populated by over two million displaced Palestinians living in dire conditions.
According to Israeli army radio, the security cabinet will also discuss plans to surround central Gaza’s refugee camps and resume targeted airstrikes and ground raids.
According to the UN, around 90% of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been forced from their homes since the genocide began in October 2023. Humanitarian agencies say the decimated enclave faces a worsening famine, with Israel repeatedly accused of blocking life-saving aid deliveries.
Military analysts say Israel currently holds operational control over 75% of Gaza. However, the new proposal would see the Israeli forces move into densely populated areas in the central and southern regions, including areas where Israeli hostages are believed to be held.
The families of captives have expressed alarm, fearing an escalation could put their loved ones at greater risk. Of the 50 hostages believed to still be alive, only a few have been seen in recent videos released by Palestinian armed groups.
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One clip showed Evyatar David digging what he said was his own grave inside a tunnel, while another showed Rom Blaslavski in visibly deteriorated condition.
Ceasefire and condemnation
Recent polls suggest around 75% of Israelis now support a ceasefire deal to bring the hostages home rather than continuing the war. Meanwhile, over 100 retired senior Israeli security officials, including ex-heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, issued a joint letter this week urging U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure Netanyahu to end the war.
Palestinian officials have condemned Netanyahu’s reported plan, warning it amounts to a renewed military occupation. The Palestinian Authority called on the international community to intervene immediately.
Palestinians have also highlighted that several Israeli ministers have openly called for Gaza to be annexed and turned into a site for new Jewish settlements for the last 22 months.
Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, dismantling settlements but continued to maintain an illegal blockade of the besieged strip.
The renewed talk of occupation comes amid growing international calls to revive the long-stalled two-state solution. Last week, the UK and Canada joined France in conditionally endorsing Palestinian statehood, which has been rejected by Israel.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 61,020 Palestinians, mainly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
