Netanyahu, however, has also come under pressure from the far right to go harder on Hamas, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slamming the new plan as half-hearted.
“They decided once again to repeat the same approach, embarking on a military operation that does not aim for a decisive resolution,” Smotrich said in a video posted online.
The far-right members of Netanyahu’s Cabinet, including Smotrich, have maintained considerable influence in the premier’s coalition government throughout the war – with their support seen as vital to holding at least 61 seats for a parliamentary majority.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, also of the far right, told Kan radio on Sunday: “It is possible to achieve victory. I want all of Gaza, transfer and colonisation. This plan will not endanger the troops”.
“WE WILL WIN”
Meanwhile, the Cabinet’s decision to expand the war in Gaza has touched off a wave of criticism across the globe.
On Sunday, the UN Security Council met to discuss the latest development.
“If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings and destruction,” UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council.
Foreign powers, including some of Israel’s allies, have been pushing for a negotiated truce to secure the hostages’ return and help alleviate a humanitarian crisis in the territory following repeated warnings of famine taking hold.
Despite the backlash and rumours of dissent from Israeli military top brass, Netanyahu has remained firm.
“We will win the war, with or without the support of others,” he told the press on Sunday.
“Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to establish a civilian administration in the strip that is not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority,” he said.
Out of 251 hostages captured during Hamas’s 2023 attack, 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27, the military says, are dead.
Israel’s offensive has killed at least 61,430 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, figures the UN says are reliable.
