On Monday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new phase of the military operation in the Gaza Strip, which includes full control over the territory, the relocation of the population to the south and restrictions on Hamas’ access to humanitarian aid. This was reported by The Jerusalem Post.
During a meeting of the military cabinet, the government unanimously approved the expansion of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu said that the new plan makes it possible to achieve two main goals: the defeat of Hamas and the release of hostages.
The active phase of the operation is expected to begin after US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week. The reasons for the delay are the mobilisation of reservists and logistical needs.
However, the Hostage Families Forum sharply criticised the government’s decision:
“This is not a liberation strategy, but the Smotrych-Netanyahu plan, which actually sacrifices hostages for the sake of territory,” the official statement said.
“70% of citizens demand the return of hostages, but the government ignores this will.”
In addition, the cabinet allowed the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which will be distributed by a civilian company in the future. This decision provoked a sharp reaction from the Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who stated:
“Why do they need help? They already have food. We should be bombing Hamas warehouses, not feeding the enemy.”
Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir replied that such proposals “jeopardise Israel’s security”. Prime Minister Netanyahu noted that ministers are entitled to their own opinions, even if they do not coincide with the army’s position.
Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara reminded that according to the law, Israel is obliged to allow humanitarian aid into the conflict zone. She stressed that no minister had directly suggested depriving civilians of food in response to the cabinet’s statement.
