Netanyahu’s Plan to Occupy Gaza: Months of Military Maneuvers and Civilian Relocation Southward
Israeli media outlets have revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present a plan to the government aiming for the full “occupation” of the Gaza Strip through an extended series of military maneuvers lasting between four and five months.
According to the Hebrew-language site “i24,” Netanyahu intends to submit a proposal to the Israeli cabinet that includes the complete occupation of the Gaza Strip—encompassing Gaza City and central refugee camps—for approval.
He has asked IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi to enhance the army’s operational plans for seizing control of Gaza and its central areas. The operation would involve four to five divisions over a span of several months.
The plan also envisions pushing the civilian population toward the southern part of the Strip, while maneuvers would be conducted in areas where hostages are believed to be held, with efforts made to minimize harm to them.
A risky idea
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid responded after a security meeting with Netanyahu, saying: “Occupying Gaza is a very bad idea – such a move should only be considered if it is supported by the majority of the public. The Israeli people are not interested in this war. We would pay a very heavy price for it.”
Following a three-hour meeting on Tuesday between Netanyahu and senior security officials to discuss potential “military options” in Gaza, the Prime Minister’s Office stated: “The Israeli army is prepared to carry out any decision made by the Security Cabinet.”
