Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he wants Israel to take control of all of Gaza. He made this clear during a television interview, even as opposition to the war grows both inside and outside Israel. In his words, “We intend to.” This statement leaves no doubt about his goal.
In the same interview, Netanyahu explained that Israel does not want to govern Gaza or remain there long-term. Instead, he said Israel wants to maintain military control to create a “security perimeter.” He also added that Arab forces could later take over Gaza’s governance, but did not say which countries would be involved or how it would work.
Military plans and internal pushback
Netanyahu made his comments shortly before a planned meeting with senior ministers to discuss new steps in Gaza. His push for Israel to take control of all of Gaza comes as some military officials, including the army chief, have pushed back against expanding the campaign. According to reports, their discussions have been tense.
Some officials say the government is considering a phased takeover of parts of Gaza that are not yet under Israeli control. Evacuation warnings could be given to civilians before new operations begin.
This plan would reverse Israel’s 2005 decision to withdraw from Gaza. At that time, Israel removed both settlers and soldiers. Many in Israel’s far-right political circles blame that withdrawal for Hamas gaining power in 2006.
Netanyahu says he wants Israel to take control of all of Gaza—But for how long?
While Netanyahu says he wants Israel to take control of all of Gaza, it is not clear if this means a short military campaign or a longer presence. The Israeli government has insisted on full victory over Hamas. Netanyahu’s comments make clear that military control, not political leadership, is the goal. But critics say expanding the war could delay the return of the remaining Israeli hostages.
Hamas called Netanyahu’s comments “a blatant coup” against peace talks. The group accused him of planning to sacrifice the hostages by prolonging the conflict.
So far, Israel and the US have rejected a proposal from Egypt that would have allowed Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza after the war.
Public anger growing in Israel
Opinion polls show that many Israelis want the war to end through a deal that would bring the hostages home. Outside the prime minister’s office, hundreds of protesters gathered with signs showing the faces of hostages still being held.
“I’m here because I am sick and tired of this government. It’s ruined our life,” said Noa Starkman, a 55-year-old resident of Jerusalem who lost friends in the Hamas attack.
The Hostages Families Forum has asked military leaders to block any plan to widen the war. They want the government to agree to a deal to bring the hostages home.
More than 60,000 killed in Gaza war
So far, Israel has taken control of about 75% of Gaza. The war has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza. Many have been forced to move multiple times.
Gaza’s health ministry says over 61,000 people have been killed since the war began, including nearly 100 in just the past 24 hours.
Aid groups warn of famine. “Where should we go? We have been displaced and humiliated enough,” said Aya Mohammad, a 30-year-old woman in Gaza. “You become a homeless beggar, searching for food, water, and medicine.”
Netanyahu says he wants Israel to take control of all of Gaza
Despite rising global pressure for a ceasefire, Netanyahu continues to push for more military action. His coalition includes far-right ministers who want full control of Gaza and even the return of Israeli settlements there.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he hoped the government would approve taking control of the rest of Gaza. He is one of many in Netanyahu’s cabinet who support a full occupation.
The war began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and over 250 hostages taken. As of now, 50 hostages remain in Gaza. Israeli officials believe around 20 are still alive.
