Israel’s Security Cabinet is expected to meet Tuesday to discuss escalating its nearly two-year-long war with Hamas, with senior officials reportedly considering full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media.
Channel 12 political commentator Amit Segal quoted a source from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office saying, “The decision has been made… we are going to occupy the Gaza Strip.” The official argued that Hamas will not release hostages without a “total surrender,” and warned, “If we do not act now, the hostages will die of starvation, and Gaza will remain under Hamas control.”
This stark declaration comes after ceasefire negotiations collapsed yet again this week, despite renewed U.S. diplomatic efforts led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who visited Israel over the weekend with a proposed peace framework.
🇮🇱 Strategic Crossroads
Segal reported that Israel has been stuck at a strategic impasse for months—failing to either secure the hostages’ release or claim a clear military victory. Now, some officials are saying it’s time to make a definitive move.
While voices within Netanyahu’s government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, are advocating for re-occupation of Gaza and restoration of dismantled Israeli settlements, Israel’s military reportedly opposes such a move and will present alternative strategies at Tuesday’s meeting.
🎥 Propaganda and Public Pressure
Public anger in Israel surged this week after Hamas released new propaganda videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages, including Evyatar David, who was forced to dig his own grave on camera. Netanyahu reportedly spoke with David’s and Rom Braslavski’s families after the footage aired.
Currently, around 50 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, both dead and alive. Calls for their return are mounting, with protests intensifying and pressure on the government growing.
🌍 Global Scrutiny Over Gaza Famine
The meeting also comes as international pressure on Israel increases over its humanitarian blockade of Gaza. The UN and aid agencies report famine-level conditions, and viral images of severely malnourished Palestinian children have sparked global outrage.
While some of these images have later been linked to pre-existing medical conditions, UN officials insist that the scale of starvation and aid shortages in Gaza is real, widespread, and worsening.
European leaders, meanwhile, condemned the latest hostage videos, calling them evidence of “unlimited inhumanity.”
⚠️ What to Watch Next
- Will the Israeli cabinet approve plans to re-enter and occupy all of Gaza?
- Will military leadership successfully argue for limited, targeted alternatives?
- How will this decision impact already fragile ceasefire efforts and worsening famine?
Israel now stands at one of the most consequential crossroads since October 7, 2023. The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting could reshape the war and the region.
