Amid collapsed hostage negotiations, Netanyahu is expected to urge a full IDF conquest of Gaza to dismantle Hamas and recover captives, even as military leaders warn it could endanger remaining hostages.
Jerusalem — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to propose a full-scale IDF military operation to conquer the Gaza Strip, destroy Hamas, and bring home Israeli hostages — a dramatic escalation that risks an open rift with the army’s top leadership.
Israeli officials say they have concluded that under current conditions, the hostages cannot be freed through any partial or comprehensive deal. Hamas has repeatedly demanded:
- Only a partial release of hostages,
- Freedom for hundreds of imprisoned terrorists — including elite Nukhba unit operatives,
- A complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza,
- And a return to pre–October 7 conditions.
With negotiations stalled, Netanyahu’s plan is to instruct the IDF to seize full control of Gaza and defeat Hamas militarily. Sources from the Prime Minister’s Office told reporters bluntly:
“We are moving toward full occupation. If the Chief of Staff disagrees, he can resign.”
The proposal reportedly has the green light from U.S. President Donald Trump.
But military officials caution that such a move could endanger the lives of all remaining hostages.
High-Stakes Security Talks
A critical meeting is set for today between Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen. Zamir and Cohen will present operational plans for the possible offensive.
Zamir, who had planned to attend the U.S. CENTCOM change-of-command ceremony hosted by Gen. Michael Kurilla, canceled his trip — making his participation contingent on a ceasefire, which has now collapsed.
Political Pressure on the IDF
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has demanded that Zamir publicly commit to obeying any political directive to invade Gaza:
“It is time to kill as many Hamas operatives as possible and encourage emigration.”
But Gideon Sa’ar countered:
“The Chief of Staff is expected to express his professional opinion candidly to the political leadership. The military is subordinate to the government — but his input is vital.”
Journalist Chagai Segal warned:
“It’s hard to imagine the current minority coalition launching a full-scale occupation of Gaza if the Chief of Staff resigned in protest. The fact he has neither confirmed nor denied such reports for four days is troubling.”
Netanyahu’s push for a full Gaza takeover signals a decisive shift in Israel’s war strategy — one that could spark a political and military confrontation at the highest levels of government.
