BREAKING: Israel's Cabinet Approves Gaza Invasion Despite Military Warnings
Netanyahu secures support for full military takeover of Gaza, as top generals warn of risks
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In a dramatic move, Israel's security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to launch a full military operation to take control of the Gaza Strip. The decision comes despite explicit warnings from IDF Chief of Staff, who cautioned about the humanitarian, military, and strategic risks involved.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the cabinet voted to adopt five core principles for ending the war. These include the dismantling of Hamas, the return of all hostages both alive and deceased, the complete demilitarization of Gaza, the establishment of Israeli security control over the territory, and the creation of an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.
Netanyahu had laid the groundwork for the decision in an interview with Fox News the day before the vote. “We intend to take control of the entire Gaza Strip,” he said. “Our goal is to eliminate Hamas and allow the people of Gaza to be freed from their grip. We plan to transfer control to a new civilian authority that does not promote the destruction of Israel.”
Despite these declarations, Chief of Staff Zamir expressed serious concerns during the cabinet session. He warned that Israel lacks the capacity to provide humanitarian support for a million displaced civilians, and suggested that the goal of rescuing the hostages might be jeopardized by a full-scale invasion. “There will be no way to guarantee their survival,” Zamir reportedly said.
In response, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir pushed back sharply. “We want victory,” he stated. “We all care about the hostages, but we also care about our soldiers. The military must follow the political leadership. Learn from the police how to obey orders.”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed the call for a decisive military outcome. “This cannot end with a temporary deal. That would be a defeat. Hamas must pay a heavy price,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Ze’ev Elkin noted that the army’s alternative plan resembled routine security operations and lacked the scale needed to be considered an actual war effort.
The plan approved by the cabinet includes several phases, beginning with the encirclement of Gaza City and the evacuation of civilians to the south. The next stages would target Hamas strongholds and key refugee camps.
As diplomatic pressure mounts, Netanyahu sought to reassure the international community. In a separate interview with Indian media, he emphasized that Israel would not annex Gaza, and reiterated that its fight is with Hamas, not with the civilian population. “We distinguish between innocent civilians and terrorists,” he said.
Nonetheless, internal disagreements remain. Minister Itzhak Wasserlauf of Otzma Yehudit, serving as an observer in the cabinet, told Fox News that the reconstruction of Jewish settlements in Gaza would be “a historic correction.” He blamed the 2005 disengagement for paving the way to Hamas rule and the October 7 massacre.
The cabinet meeting took place with the presence of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, despite recent tensions with Justice Minister Yariv Levin. Her participation sparked political debate, but government officials clarified that she was summoned according to standard procedures.
According to Israeli media reports, the military operation could last at least six months and will be accompanied by an unprecedented humanitarian aid initiative, with assistance levels expected to quadruple. The United States has expressed support for the effort, and Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed plans to establish sixteen aid centers across Gaza.