The Israeli diplomatic-security cabinet approved the expansion of military operations in Gaza overnight between Sunday and Monday, after the plans were presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Friday.
A senior official familiar with the details told Israel Hayom that the plan was unanimously adopted and aligns with statements Netanyahu has made in recent months.
During the discussion, the Chief of Staff said: "We are on the path to defeating Hamas, and this will also contribute to the effort to bring back the hostages." According to the source, the plan includes conquering the Gaza Strip, maintaining a military presence, relocating the civilian population in Gaza southward for its own safety, crippling Hamas' ability to distribute humanitarian aid, and delivering powerful blows terrorist organization, measures aimed at breaking its hold on the Strip.
The official further claimed that Netanyahu told the Cabinet this was "a good plan because it can achieve both objectives—defeating Hamas and bringing back the hostages." He also stressed that the new approach marks a break from previous operations: "We are moving from raids to conquest and staying put." The prime minister added that he is continuing to promote the Trump Plan to allow for the voluntary emigration of Gazans, and that discussions on the issue are underway with several countries.
Humanitarian aid
The Cabinet also voted by a large majority to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid under specific conditions, if necessary, to ensure that Hamas cannot seize control of the supplies.
The intention is to undermine Hamas' governing capabilities. Cabinet members were told that there is currently sufficient food in Gaza.
'A disaster for generations'
In response to the Cabinet decision, the The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement condemning the plan: "The plan approved by the Cabinet deserves to be called the 'Smotrich-Netanyahu Plan' to abandon the hostages and sacrifice national resilience and security. The government admits it is prioritizing territory over hostages, in defiance of the will of more than 70% of the public. This choice will be remembered as a disaster for generations."
