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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) should push to fully occupy the besieged Gaza Strip, including operating in areas where hostages are being held, according to multiple media reports.
The prime minister's office also conveyed a message to Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the army's chief of staff, saying, "If this does not suit him, you should resign," according to EuroNews and i24's diplomatic correspondent, Amichai Stein.
Newsweek reached out to Netanyahu's office for comment via email on Monday.
Israeli media reported that the Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to come to a formal decision on the matter.
Why It Matters
The Israeli prime minister's reported decision comes after months of ceasefire talks between his government and Hamas, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations.
Israel has also faced increased international pressure to reach a ceasefire deal as Hamas released videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages being held in Gaza, which the group said was the result of Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to the war-torn territory.
The videos had a significant impact on the Israeli public and sparked protests by thousands on Saturday night and calls for a ceasefire deal. It was one of the largest turnouts for the weekly protests in recent months.
What To Know
Netanyahu said after the videos were released that he would convene a Cabinet meeting to discuss how Israel can meet the three main goals he set out for the war: defeating Hamas, returning the hostages and ensuring Gaza doesn't pose a threat to Israel.
But the prime minister has faced opposition, including from within his own country, to increasing the IDF's operations in the Gaza Strip. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its counteroffensive in the territory following Hamas' devastating October 7, 2023, attack that claimed the lives of as many as 1,200 Israelis, most of whom were civilians.
The Times of Israel, citing Israeli media, reported that Netanyahu told ministers in the last day that he will seek the Cabinet's backing of a plan to fully occupy Gaza, despite pushback from within the IDF.
The Israeli media outlet Ynet also cited a senior official close to the prime minister as saying, "The die is cast — we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip."
The official reportedly added: "There will be operations even in areas where hostages are being held. If the IDF chief of staff doesn't agree, he should resign."
What People Are Saying
Netanyahu said at the outset of Monday's Cabinet meeting: "We must continue to stand together and fight together to achieve all our war objectives: the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel."
What Happens Next
The Cabinet will reportedly meet on Tuesday to make a formal decision on expanding the IDF's operations in Gaza. Israeli officials have said that of the 251 people who were taken hostage on October 7, 50 remain in Gaza, out of whom only 20 are believed to be alive.
Update 8/4/25, 2:40 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and context.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
