Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure as his Gaza strategy divides his cabinet and fuels public debate. A growing number of voices inside his government, including far-right allies, have openly questioned his plan to take Gaza City. They argue that the strategy is not tough enough to defeat Hamas and could put hostages and soldiers at greater risk.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of the security cabinet, said he no longer believes Netanyahu can lead Israel to victory over Hamas. Speaking in a video posted on Saturday, he criticised the decision to approve the Gaza City operation, calling it “more of the same” and claiming it was aimed at restarting ceasefire talks rather than winning the war.
Cabinet Split Over Gaza Plan
The plan, approved by a majority of Netanyahu’s security cabinet on Friday, would expand military operations in the heavily damaged enclave. Supporters say it is necessary to defeat Hamas, while opponents, including some in the military — warn it could drag Israel into prolonged urban warfare.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the Gaza City takeover was “a good first step,” but he wants it to lead to full occupation of Gaza and the removal of a large part of its Palestinian population. The army has warned that this approach could endanger the remaining hostages, believed to number around 20, and escalate the humanitarian crisis.
International Concerns Grow
Italy has urged Israel to listen to its military’s warnings, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani comparing the possible invasion to “Vietnam” for Israeli forces. He suggested a United Nations mission led by Arab countries to help reunify the Palestinian state, and said Italy would participate. The U.N. Security Council is expected to meet to discuss the plan and its humanitarian implications.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Conditions in Gaza remain dire. Aid deliveries have been insufficient, according to the United Nations, despite nearly 1,900 trucks entering last week. On Saturday, a 14-year-old boy was killed when an airdropped aid package fell on him, bringing the total number of such deaths to 23 since the war began. The Hamas-run government says five more people, including two children, died from starvation in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll from hunger and malnutrition to 217.
The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, has now killed more than 61,000 Palestinians and destroyed large parts of Gaza.
Bottom Line
Netanyahu is facing real pressure as his Gaza plan splits his own cabinet. Some ministers are openly challenging him, the army is warning about the dangers, and even allies overseas are raising concerns. Right now, his biggest task is trying to keep his coalition together while more and more voices inside and outside Israel, push him to change direction.
