Netanyahu’s Controversial Plan to Fully Occupy Gaza Sparks Global and Domestic Backlash

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent push for the full occupation of Gaza has ignited a storm of controversy, both within Israel and internationally. Described as a dramatic shift in strategy after nearly two years of conflict with Hamas, the proposal has been met with resistance from senior Israeli military officials, widespread public disapproval, and condemnation from global allies. The plan, which Netanyahu reportedly discussed with his cabinet earlier this week, has far-reaching implications for the region’s stability and humanitarian conditions.

Netanyahu’s Proposal: A Radical Shift in Gaza Strategy

According to multiple reports, Netanyahu’s plan entails a complete military takeover of the Gaza Strip, an area already devastated by over 22 months of relentless warfare. The Israeli military currently controls approximately 75% of Gaza, but the proposed operation would extend this control to the entire territory, including areas where hostages are believed to be held. Speaking to Israeli media, unnamed officials close to Netanyahu declared, “The die is cast. We’re going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip – and defeating Hamas.”

The timing of the announcement coincides with the 20th anniversary of Israel’s unilateral disengagement from Gaza, which saw the removal of Jewish settlements and military presence from the region. Critics have suggested that the plan is an attempt to fulfill the long-standing desires of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition partners, who advocate for re-establishing Jewish settlements in Gaza.

However, the proposal has also been described as a high-stakes gamble. Writing in Yedioth Ahronoth, military affairs commentator Yossi Yehoshua highlighted the logistical and ethical challenges of such an operation, including the potential loss of hostages’ lives, significant casualties among Israeli soldiers, and the difficulty of managing a displaced civilian population of over two million.

Military and Public Opposition

Netanyahu’s plan has faced significant opposition from within Israel’s own military leadership. Reports indicate that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has privately voiced his disapproval, warning that the occupation could endanger the remaining hostages and escalate military casualties. In a rare public display of dissent, 19 former directors of Israeli military and intelligence agencies have called on Netanyahu to abandon the proposal. These figures, who once shaped Israel’s security policies, argue that further military escalation lacks clear objectives and risks isolating Israel internationally.

Public opinion in Israel also appears to be against the plan. Polls suggest that three out of four Israelis favor a negotiated ceasefire and a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages, rather than escalating the conflict. The hostage crisis remains a deeply emotional issue for the Israeli public, particularly after recent footage showed two Israeli captives in dire conditions. The memory of six hostages executed by Hamas last year during a similar military operation adds to the widespread anxiety.

As BBC News reports, the proposal has also sparked concerns among the families of the hostages. They fear that a full-scale occupation would jeopardize any chance of securing their loved ones’ safe return. In response to these fears, Netanyahu has reiterated his resolve to achieve all of Israel’s war goals, but his assurances have done little to calm the growing dissent.

International Backlash and Humanitarian Concerns

Globally, Netanyahu’s plan has been met with strong condemnation. Pro-Israel figures, such as former U.S. Middle East envoy Dennis Ross, have warned that occupying Gaza would “cement Israel’s isolation internationally” and could even jeopardize its support from the United States. European countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, have recently announced conditional plans to recognize a Palestinian state, signaling a shift in international attitudes toward the conflict.

Humanitarian organizations have also raised alarms about the dire conditions in Gaza, where over 90% of the population has been displaced and many are facing starvation. The Israeli military has allowed limited imports of essential goods, such as baby food and hygiene products, but critics argue that these measures are insufficient to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis. The United Nations and other aid groups have accused Israel of impeding the delivery of crucial aid, exacerbating the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population.

As reported by The Guardian, Israel’s military campaign has already caused immense devastation, with over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, most of them civilians. The prospect of a full occupation has prompted several European nations to consider imposing sanctions on Israel if a ceasefire is not reached soon.

Potential Ramifications

Netanyahu’s plan also raises questions about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The proposed occupation has been described by some as a step toward annexation, a move that could further derail efforts to achieve a two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority has denounced the plan, urging the international community to intervene and prevent any new military occupation.

Within Israel, media commentators have questioned Netanyahu’s motivations, suggesting that the plan may be an attempt to prolong the war rather than resolve it. As Nahum Barnea wrote in Yedioth Ahronoth, “It seems that Netanyahu has just one objective in the war in Gaza: to prolong the war.”

In the face of mounting opposition and a deeply divided public, the fate of Netanyahu’s controversial proposal remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that any decision will have profound consequences for Israel, Gaza, and the broader Middle East.