Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Aug 5: Nearly two years into the Gaza war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to launch a full-scale occupation of the Palestinian enclave, even as internal rifts emerge between Israel’s political and military leadership.

After the breakdown of ceasefire talks with Hamas, Netanyahu's office confirmed he will soon convene his security cabinet to decide the future course of action in Gaza. The prime minister’s stated objectives remain: defeating Hamas, securing the release of hostages, and ensuring Gaza can no longer threaten Israel.

Quoting an official from Netanyahu’s office, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the prime minister now leans towards expanding the military campaign to seize the entire Gaza Strip — a major escalation from previous strategies. According to Ynet, Netanyahu has been using the phrase “occupation of the Strip” in internal discussions, with one senior official allegedly saying, “The die is cast — we are going for a full occupation of Gaza… If the chief of staff doesn't agree, he should resign.”

This pointed comment reportedly targeted IDF Chief of Staff Lt. General Eyal Zamir, who is said to have expressed strong reservations about occupying the entire enclave, particularly as 20 hostages are still believed to be alive inside Gaza.

Deepening civil-military rift

Reports suggest a growing divide between Netanyahu’s war cabinet and the military command. While ministers like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are calling for military rule followed by annexation and re-establishment of Jewish settlements, senior military officials are reportedly preparing alternative plans that avoid full occupation.

Israel Army Radio indicated that Lt. Gen. Zamir is frustrated with what he calls the government’s lack of strategic clarity and fears that Israel is being dragged into a prolonged war of attrition with Hamas. An IDF spokesperson declined to comment on the internal tensions but affirmed the army’s readiness: “We have different ways to fight the terror organization, and that's what the army does,” said Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani.

Currently, the Israeli military controls more than 75% of Gaza, a densely packed strip of 141 square miles. A full occupation would mean complete military control over all 2.2 million residents — a move that raises significant humanitarian and political concerns.

US remains in diplomatic loop

The United States continues to play an active role in brokering peace. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was in Israel last week discussing post-war frameworks. However, after ceasefire talks in Doha failed to produce a truce, Israeli officials told Reuters that Washington and Tel Aviv appear to share a growing belief that Hamas is unwilling to negotiate in good faith.

A senior Israeli official said, “There’s an understanding with the US that Hamas is not interested in a deal, and therefore the prime minister is pressing for military defeat while aiming to release the hostages.”

As the security cabinet prepares to meet this week, all eyes remain on Netanyahu’s next move — one that could reshape the future of Gaza and reignite tensions across the region.