Security cabinet to discuss potential full Gaza takeover - Amichai Stein

 

by Amichai Stein

During the meeting, tensions flared between Prime Minister Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir.

 

IDF chief Eyal Zamir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Israel Katz seen during a military briefing, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 30, 2025

(photo credit: MAAYAN TOAF/GPO)

 

The Israeli Security Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Thursday to discuss a potential full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages are believed to be held.

The decision to hold the meeting was made following a high-level discussion on Tuesday, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the participation of Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, and other top defense officials.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a closed security consultation that lasted about three hours, during which the Chief of Staff presented various options for continuing the military campaign in Gaza," a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

During the meeting, tensions flared between Netanyahu and Zamir.

Netanyahu stated: “We need to change the approach taken so far, only then will we be able to free the hostages.” Zamir, following the decision to pursue a full occupation of Gaza, warned that it could become a strategic trap.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against backdrop of IDF soldiers at war in Gaza (illustration). (credit: Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla, JACK GUEZ/AFP)

“This proposal endangers the hostages, but the IDF is preparing to implement the decision immediately once it is made,” Zamir said.

Ahead of the meeting, during a visit to Gaza, Katz emphasized that the main objectives of the war are to defeat Hamas and create the conditions necessary for the return of the hostages. “Once the political echelon makes the necessary decisions, the military will execute them professionally, just as it has in all arenas of the war thus far. As defense minister responsible for the IDF, it is my duty to ensure this happens, and I will,” Katz said.

Regarding the ongoing hostage negotiations, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post that “there are internal disagreements within Hamas over the current proposal on the table, which involves the release of 10 hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire.”

In recent days, most senior Hamas officials have left Qatar for Turkey and have reduced their contact with Qatari mediators. A diplomatic source told the Post that “the door has never been closed to a potential deal, but at the moment, such a deal does not seem realistic.”

Hamas responds to 'Israel's threats'

Hamas responded to the reports about the intent to conquer Gaza, saying, "Israel's threats are repetitive, worthless, and have no influence on our decisions."

The cabinet meeting follows months of talks in Doha between Hamas, Israel, and mediators to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal.

Amichai Stein

Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-863353

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