Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday reaffirmed that the military is bound to implement government decisions on Gaza, amid reports of internal disagreements over a possible full-scale occupation of the territory. This development comes as the war, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, nears its 23rd month with no clear end in sight.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce a new plan for Gaza, with Israeli media reporting that his cabinet may consider a full military occupation of the enclave. This has reportedly led to pushback from within the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), including Army Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who warned that such a move would be akin to “walking into a trap”.
Despite internal dissent, Defence Minister Gallant made it clear that “once decisions are made by the political echelon, the IDF will execute them with determination and professionalism.” Netanyahu is expected to convene his security cabinet on Thursday to finalise the next phase of the offensive.
As military operations continue, evacuation orders were issued for Gaza City and Khan Yunis. Ground forces are reportedly preparing to escalate combat in densely populated zones where hostages may be held.
International pressure is mounting. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has warned against occupying Gaza, calling it a “very bad idea… operationally, morally and economically.” Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said the decision was “up to Israel” but acknowledged he was unaware of any concrete plans to occupy Gaza.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise. At least 22 people were killed in central Gaza on Wednesday when a truck delivering aid overturned. Local authorities blamed the Israeli military for forcing the vehicle onto bomb-damaged roads, a claim the IDF denies.
Since October 2023, the war has claimed over 61,000 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN warns that famine is unfolding across the besieged enclave, while 49 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, including 27 declared dead.
As Netanyahu’s cabinet deliberates its next move, the war continues to draw both domestic criticism and international scrutiny over its human and strategic costs.
