Israeli Security Ministers Hold Critical Meeting on Gaza Occupation

On Thursday, Israeli security ministers met to discuss a significant proposal regarding the full military occupation of the Gaza Strip.

This initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seems aimed at applying additional pressure on terrorist organizations to facilitate the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, conflict.

In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu was directly questioned about Israel’s intentions to “control everything in Gaza.”

“We aim to ensure security, eliminate Hamas, and transition the population from Gaza to civilian rule—specifically, a governance that isn’t Hamas, which stands against Israel’s existence,” Netanyahu explained. “Our goal is to liberate both ourselves and the people of Gaza from Hamas’s oppressive fears,” he continued.

“We don’t want to maintain control. We desire a secure boundary. Governing Gaza isn’t in our plans. Our objective is to hand it over to an Arab military that can manage it without posing threats and can provide a decent life for Gazans, something Hamas cannot achieve,” he emphasized.

However, despite Netanyahu’s optimistic outlook, some senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Eial Zamir, have voiced serious concerns, suggesting that the plan could plunge Israel into a disastrous situation.

“Occupying the strip will ensnare Israel in a perilous trap, burdening it with responsibility for two million Palestinians, necessitating extensive military operations, and, most alarmingly, risking hostages,” Zamir remarked.

“We are focused on tangible realities, the life and death of our nation, weighing the safety of our soldiers and civilians,” he added.

Sources within the Prime Minister’s Office have hinted that if Zamir disagrees with the plan, he should resign from his position in the IDF.

In a related protest, Einav Zangarkar, whose son remains a hostage in Gaza, called for action outside the Cabinet meeting, arguing that moving towards full occupation would detract from the priority of ensuring hostage releases.

“Those advocating for such extensive plans will not successfully govern the strip or protect our hostages and soldiers,” she stated. “Netanyahu and his allies are trying to shift blame onto those like Matan who are in peril,” she added.

Simultaneously, news of the Israeli security cabinet’s discussions has prompted thousands of citizens to take to the streets in opposition to the potential occupation.

“We are protesting in Tel Aviv against plans that could lead to the loss of hostages, lives of Gazans, and our own soldiers,” stated a spokesperson for Standing Together, a grassroots movement advocating for peace and equality in Israel.

Yet, there remains a lingering threat that Hamas may execute hostages if they perceive a continuous Israeli military presence.

“Hamas will kill hostages if they think Israeli forces are nearby,” shared Elhanan Danino, a father of a hostage, explaining the risks involved when military operations occur near captives.

“Each day they are held in those conditions is a risk to their lives. I dread the thought of losing another hostage like my son,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, a UN representative highlighted that the prospect of full occupation raises serious legal questions and could violate international law.

Despite facing opposition, analysts predict that Netanyahu will likely gain majority support in the security cabinet for his plans.

As for the U.S., President Donald Trump is reportedly not inclined to block Israel’s proposed actions if they proceed, stating that the situation “is up to Israel,” with humanitarian concerns remaining his primary focus.

When asked about the possibility of a full occupation, Trump indicated he was watching closely but did not offer an opposing view.

Israeli media has suggested that the operation could involve deploying tens of thousands of troops into Gaza while potentially impacting the movement of over a million Palestinians.

The UN has reported that more than 1,300 Palestinian casualties occurred while seeking aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation since late May. However, the organization that tracks these numbers, the GHF—which has ties to Israeli support—claims a different count, citing over 500 deaths linked to those attempting to access help.

If approved, this military plan for Gaza might receive partial funding from the U.S.

According to data, the U.S. supplied about $17.9 billion in security assistance to Israel from late 2023 through 2024, along with an additional $8.7 billion in military support approved by Congress in April 2024. The U.S. also continues its commitment under a Memorandum of Understanding promising $3.8 billion in military aid annually until 2028.

Critics, however, have pointed out that as long as Israel maintains control over Gaza, U.S. funding effectively supports the ongoing occupation.

“Who do you think will finance Israel’s extensive occupation of Gaza along with the subsequent guerrilla warfare?” posited journalist Glenn Greenwald. He argued that even if the IDF chief opposed the occupation, he would recognize the likely consequences of prolonged conflict, emphasizing that it isn’t Israel that bears the full financial burden.

Despite Netanyahu’s assurances of seeking effective Palestinian governance in Gaza, some members of his cabinet, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have openly called for annexing the region.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has also urged the government to “conquer the Gaza Strip,” showing no hesitation in expressing the aim.

The siege on Gaza started after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the capture of approximately 251 hostages.