With President Trump's Blessing: Netanyahu Will Advance Annexation of Parts of the Strip

In the United States, it is reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu, with President Trump's blessing, is expected to advance annexation of parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas persists in its refusal to cease fire.

According to publications in the US, the American president and the prime minister spoke at length on the subject. This was Trump's hint when he said that he and Netanyahu are "considering new paths" regarding continued activity in Gaza.

Following the deteriorating political situation surrounding activity in the Strip, the prime minister and president are considering the annexation route as a way to "hurt" Hamas, without the need for intensive military activity that could endanger the hostages. The publications claim this is a coordinated plan between the White House and Jerusalem, not just hot air.

In these days, contacts are still taking place to reach a humanitarian ceasefire during which hostages would be released, but if Hamas persists in its refusal, the plan is expected to go into action.

Additionally, from a military perspective, annexation of territories of strategic importance in terms of border defense and security control would constitute a significant blow to Hamas's ability to return to the territory. This would enable the establishment of permanent controlling military points, and would also cause severe image damage to an organization whose entire goals are "liberating Palestinian lands."

In addition, the move is also expected to remove political pressure from the prime minister, as even if humanitarian aid continues to flow to the Strip, annexing parts of it would significantly ease the right-wing elements in the government, who in recent days have been raising tensions daily following the combination of slow activity in the Strip and increasing aid supply.