Israel plans Gaza City takeover to destroy Hamas and rescue hostages, amid military pushback and international pressure.
Netanyahu’s Gaza Takeover Plan: Hostage Rescue or Strategic Gamble?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to present a controversial, multi-phase plan for a full military takeover of Gaza, aimed at defeating Hamas and rescuing hostages. The decision is expected to be finalized during a high-level security cabinet meeting today.
Key Objectives of the Plan
- Destroy remaining Hamas infrastructure in Gaza
- Free the 50 remaining hostages (around 20–25 believed alive)
- Secure long-term military control over key areas like Gaza City and central camps
- Displace up to 1 million Palestinians to southern Gaza
How the Operation Will Unfold
According to reports from The Times of Israel and Channel 12:
Phase 1: Evacuation & Infrastructure Setup
- Around 1 million people will be asked to evacuate northern Gaza
- Israel will expand humanitarian zones like Mawasi, setting up temporary hospitals and shelters
Phase 2: Military Operation Begins
- Israeli forces to take control of Gaza City and central camps
- Areas will be cleared through ground offensives
- Coordinated humanitarian aid to be announced by the US during this stage
Duration & Funding
- Operation to last 4–5 months
- Estimated cost: $1 billion, largely funded by the US and allies
International Coordination and Pushback
- US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to increase aid sites from 4 to 16
- Egypt and Qatar, via the US, are urging Israel not to proceed
- Alternative plan proposed: encircle key Hamas strongholds and cut aid to weaken the group over time
- Netanyahu reportedly rejected this alternative
Military Concerns and Internal Dissent
Israel’s top military leaders have serious reservations about the plan.
- Military Chief Eyal Zamir warns it could endanger the remaining hostages
- Fears of a “trap” scenario and a drawn-out war of attrition
- Zamir proposes encircling high-risk zones instead of a full takeover
Government’s Firm Stance
Despite military concerns, Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz remain committed to the plan.
Katz said:
“The IDF will execute any decision made by the political leadership with determination.”
Summary: What’s at Stake?
- Strategic clarity is lacking, risking operational confusion
- High humanitarian cost, with another wave of mass displacement
- Hostages’ lives hang in the balance amid deepening political-military divide
- The global community watches closely, as Israel edges toward a pivotal and risky move
