Sources say Netanyahu is set on capturing Gaza in a dramatic escalation of Operation Swords of Iron — a move that pits him against IDF leadership ahead of a crucial war cabinet meeting.
Jerusalem — In a stunning escalation of wartime strategy, sources inside the Prime Minister’s Office say Benjamin Netanyahu has made a strategic decision to capture the Gaza Strip as part of Operation Swords of Iron — a move that could redefine Israel’s war objectives and ignite a fierce rift within its leadership.
According to senior political insiders, ministers who have recently met with Netanyahu say he spoke openly of his “intention to capture the strip”, signaling a dramatic shift toward a full-scale ground takeover.
If carried out, the plan would directly contradict the stance of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the army’s top brass, who reportedly oppose such a sweeping military operation at this stage, warning of massive operational risks and potential regional fallout.
A high-stakes political and military meeting is set for tomorrow, where Israel’s leadership will debate the next phase of the campaign — including whether to massively expand operations into a full capture and control of Gaza.
Such a decision could reshape the battlefield, alter Israel’s regional posture, and mark the most aggressive move yet in the war against Hamas.
