Israel’s security cabinet has agreed to a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlining a five-point plan to conclude military operations in Gaza, including a full military takeover of Gaza City. The decision, confirmed by the prime minister’s office, marks a significant escalation and has triggered strong criticism from across the political spectrum and among hostage families.
The cabinet meeting, held late on Thursday, approved five guiding principles for ending the war: the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over Gaza, and the establishment of a new civil administration that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will begin preparing for operational control of Gaza City while continuing humanitarian assistance to civilians located outside active combat zones. Netanyahu later told Fox News that Israel intends to control all of Gaza temporarily to establish a security perimeter, but said it does not wish to govern the territory directly and would eventually hand over governance to Arab forces.
Protests erupted in Tel Aviv as the cabinet convened, with demonstrators calling for a negotiated solution and the safe return of hostages still held by Hamas. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement condemning the decision, accusing the government of effectively abandoning the hostages and ignoring the advice of senior military leaders. The group described the move as “an official declaration of the abandonment of the hostages” and warned it may lead to a “colossal disaster”.
The proposal also faced criticism from military and political figures. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly expressed concerns about the potential risks to hostages and the strain on Israeli forces. Opposition leader Yair Lapid described the decision as a strategic mistake and said far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich had pushed Netanyahu into approving what he called “a disaster that will lead to many more disasters.”
UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also condemned the Israeli plan, urging the government to reconsider. He stated that the escalation would not help end the conflict or secure the release of hostages, and instead called for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and renewed diplomatic negotiations aimed at a two-state solution.
Satellite imagery cited by US officials indicates Israeli military buildup near the Gaza border, suggesting preparations for a renewed ground invasion. Reports state that the full Israeli cabinet must still approve the resolution, though it may not meet until Sunday.