The Israeli Diplomatic-Security Cabinet is set to hold a potentially contentious meeting Sunday evening to deliberate the future of the war in Gaza. The meeting will include senior security officials, coalition party leaders, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. During the session, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is expected to present operational updates, emphasizing that Israeli forces are nearing full control over 75% of the Gaza Strip.
Against the backdrop of this assessment, the government earlier today approved the return of residents to Israeli communities near Gaza that were evacuated following the October 7 Hamas-led massacre. The move was based on the IDF's determination that there is no longer a security impediment to their return. However, several senior government officials have criticized the army's assessment, arguing it does not fully reflect the operational capabilities still held by the Hamas terrorist organization, which continues to control civilians and retain senior commanders and organized forces within the Strip.
Decision point approaches
Government sources are also preemptively dismissing the army's claim that the IDF has completed the Gideon chariots plan, a multi-stage military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas's capabilities. These sources argue that Hamas has not yet been defeated and that the war's declared objectives remain unfulfilled.
Alongside discussions driven by National Missions and Settlements Minister Orit Strock, who is pressing for the establishment of a humanitarian separation in Gaza as a means to bring about Hamas's defeat, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is expected to voice opposition to the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. He contends that continued aid, coupled with IDF control of territory, undermines Israel's ability to achieve its war aims.
The cabinet, therefore, faces a critical juncture in determining the course of the war and in clarifying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's direction.
War's end not on the table
Sources close to Netanyahu emphasize that he has not abandoned the war's objectives, and that ending the war is not under consideration. Rather, discussions are focused on a potential deal under the "Witkoff framework," which would allow for the partial release of hostages followed by a return to war. Minister Dermer, a close Netanyahu ally, is scheduled to travel to the US on Monday to discuss terms for such a deal, particularly in light of recent statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting a ceasefire could be imminent.
A Witkoff-style ceasefire would enable Netanyahu to secure the return of some of the hostages while pausing combat operations to allow the military to regroup – a strategy reportedly favored by Chief of Staff Zamir. Still, several ministers in the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet remain deeply concerned that a temporary agreement could solidify into a permanent arrangement due to mounting US diplomatic pressure.
