Netanyahu said set to order full takeover of Gaza, despite IDF qualms, risk to hostages

An IDF soldier is seen next to armored vehicles in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun, July 30, 2025. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)

| Published August 6, 2025

Senior official close to PM quoted saying ‘the die is cast — we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip,’ also suggests IDF chief resign if he opposes move

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened senior security officials and is reportedly preparing to instruct his cabinet to authorize a complete military occupation of the Gaza Strip, marking a sharp escalation in the conflict that has raged for nearly two years. This move would reverse Israel’s 2005 withdrawal, bringing control over the remaining 25 percent of territory still outside IDF authority—including areas where hostages are believed to be held.

Key Goals and Justifications

During a three-hour limited security meeting on August 5, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir presented strategic options for expanding operations in Gaza. Attendees included Defense Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
Netanyahu has reportedly emphasized three objectives: dismantling Hamas, securing release of Israeli hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat.

Diverging Views Within Israel

The proposed plan has revealed deep rifts within Israel’s government and military:

• Far-right coalition ministers, including Itamar Ben‑Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, strongly support full occupation, even suggesting that if Chief of Staff Zamir does not comply, he should resign.

• IDF leadership, including Zamir, opposes the plan, warning of prolonged engagement, significant troop strain, and heightened risk to legally held hostages—estimated at around 20 still alive.

• Moderate Coalition figures, such as Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Mossad chief David Barnea, and senior hostage negotiators, have urged continued pursuit of a ceasefire or diplomatic resolution.

A planned security cabinet meeting to decide the plan has reportedly been delayed to Thursday, August 7, amid internal objections.

Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies

Since the war began in October 2023, Gaza’s health ministry reports more than 61,000 deaths, including nearly 188 from malnutrition—94 of them children, reflecting a deepening hunger crisis.
In the past 24 hours alone, eight more deaths were attributed to starvation and over 80 were killed by Israeli strikes while awaiting aid convoys.
The United Nations has called the potential expansion of military operations “deeply alarming”, while the Palestinian foreign ministry has urged urgent international intervention.

International Reactions

• The UN has warned any re‑occupation would further disrupt humanitarian aid and risk more civilian lives.

• The US State Department has cautiously declined to comment on Israeli reports but continues to support increased humanitarian aid delivery. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump reportedly discussed expanding Washington’s role in aid distribution.

Strategic Implications & Risks

• Analysts caution that a full occupation could trigger a lengthy insurgency, strain Israel’s military reserves, and deepen Israel’s diplomatic isolation.

• Critics within Israel—including 19 former intelligence and defense chiefs such as former PM Ehud Barak and ex‑Mossad director Tamir Pardo—warn the plan ports greater danger for hostages and threatens Israel’s democratic character.

Summary Timeline

The Road Ahead

The decision due this week will determine whether Israel commits to full military control over Gaza—a move that would represent a historic reversal of policy and carry profound consequences both on the ground and in the international arena.
If pursued, the occupation is likely to escalate both the intensity and duration of conflict, while raising serious questions about humanitarian access, civilian protection, and long-term governance.

 Implications:

Here are the key implications of a potential full Israeli military takeover of Gaza, based on the latest reports and expert analyses:

🔴 1. Military Implications

• Prolonged Conflict: A full-scale occupation risks turning the war into a long-term counterinsurgency operation, likely lasting months or years.

• Strained Resources: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would be required to deploy more troops, sustain high operational costs, and face resistance in dense urban areas—especially from remaining Hamas and other militant cells.

• Hostage Risk: With at least 20 hostages still believed to be alive, a heavy ground incursion could endanger their lives, especially if operations are launched without reliable intelligence.

🟡 2. Humanitarian Impact

• Civilian Suffering: Gaza is already on the brink of famine, with children dying of malnutrition. Full occupation would disrupt already fragile aid flows and potentially worsen starvation, displacement, and civilian deaths.

• International Condemnation: The humanitarian toll could fuel wider criticism from the UN, NGOs, and foreign governments, further isolating Israel diplomatically.

🟠 3. Political and Strategic Risks (Domestic & International)

• Internal Israeli Tensions:

  • The plan has split Netanyahu’s coalition, pitting far-right ministers against military and intelligence officials.

  • If forced through, the move could spark political instability, including possible resignations or civil backlash.

• Diplomatic Fallout:

  • A full takeover may alienate Western allies, especially the U.S. and EU, who continue to emphasize humanitarian considerations and a two-state solution.

  • Arab nations with normalization agreements (like Egypt, Jordan, UAE) may reassess ties, especially if images of civilian casualties increase.

• Collapse of Ceasefire Talks: This decision could permanently undermine hostage negotiation efforts and any prospects for a ceasefire—removing diplomatic options from the table.

🟢 4. Long-Term Governance Questions

• No Clear Plan for Post-Hamas Gaza: Israeli leadership has not presented a viable alternative for who will govern Gaza after Hamas is removed.

• A military occupation without a civilian exit strategy could force Israel to administer daily life for over 2 million Palestinians—something the IDF has warned against.

🔵 5. Regional Escalation Risk

• Hezbollah & Iran: A deeper war in Gaza could trigger northern escalation, especially with Hezbollah, increasing the chance of multi-front conflict.

• West Bank Unrest: Tensions could spill over into the West Bank, sparking protests or coordinated attacks.

• Terror Threat Abroad: Prolonged occupation might fuel global radicalization and terrorist recruitment narratives.

 Overall Takeaway:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for a full military takeover of Gaza represents a pivotal and controversial turn in Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas. While the stated goal is to eliminate terrorist threats and rescue remaining hostages, the plan faces sharp resistance from within Israel’s own defense establishment and raises deep concerns internationally.

The implications stretch far beyond the battlefield. A full reoccupation risks not only prolonging the war but also worsening a humanitarian catastrophe already unfolding in Gaza. With internal divisions deepening, global pressure mounting, and no clear post-Hamas governance plan in place, Israel stands at a critical crossroads. Whether the cabinet ultimately approves this bold but perilous course will define the next phase of the conflict—and possibly reshape the region for years to come.

SOURCES: REUTERS – Netanyahu meets security officials as Israel considers full Gaza takeover

THE TIMES OF ISRAEL – Netanyahu said set to order full takeover of Gaza, despite IDF qualms, risk to hostages