Israel Considers Full Control Over Gaza Amid Military and Public Concerns

A senior Israeli official stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may convene a security cabinet meeting this week to finalize the decision.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu held a three-hour security meeting where IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir presented military options.

The IDF clarified that it is prepared to implement any decision made by the security cabinet.

Meanwhile,Israel faces mounting domestic and international pressure over the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza.

 The United Nations has warned that Israeli restrictions on food supplies and the devastation caused by the conflict have increased the risk of famine in Gaza.

In late July, Israel promised to facilitate humanitarian aid distribution through the UN and NGOs.

On Tuesday, the government announced further easing of restrictions on commercial access to food and hygiene supplies, though these will remain subject to strict security checks.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reported that local merchants can now bring limited quantities of food into Gaza for market sale.

Military leadership remains skeptical about the proposed military escalation. Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the army must implement the government’s political policies, and he will ensure compliance.

However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a hardline member of Netanyahu’s coalition government, criticized IDF Chief Eyal Zamir, stating he should clearly commit to following government orders.

Opposition leader and former IDF chief Benny Gantz called the attack on Zamir “irresponsible.”

Notably, of the hostages abducted during Hamas’s October 2023 attacks, around 50 remain in captivity, with only 20 believed to be alive.

A significant portion of the public and military leadership believes that deeper military operations in Gaza could further diminish the chances of securing their release.