Israel Approves Plan to Take Control of Gaza City

Israel’s political-security cabinet gave the green light early Friday to a new plan to take control of Gaza City. The decision comes just hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his goal of placing the entire Gaza Strip under full military control.

Gaza-(Special / Web Desk)-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Friday that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will prepare to take control of Gaza City. The statement said troops would also work to allow humanitarian aid for civilians outside combat zones. Gaza City, located in the north of the enclave, is the largest urban center in the territory.

Evacuation and Ground Assault Planned

According to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing an Israeli official, the plan involves evacuating Palestinian civilians from Gaza City before launching a ground assault. The operation is seen as the first step toward Israel’s wider military goals in Gaza.

Netanyahu Says Israel Wants Control, Not Governance

In a Thursday interview with Fox News host Bill Hemmer, Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s aim to take control of the entire Gaza Strip. He stressed that Israel does not want to govern the territory, but instead create a “security perimeter” before handing it over to Arab forces. He did not specify which countries might be involved or how governance would be arranged.

Netanyahu’s comments came ahead of a closed-door meeting with senior ministers to discuss expanding Israel’s military control in Gaza. Earlier this week, a meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir was described by officials as tense, with Zamir reportedly opposing a broader campaign.

Cabinet Divided, But Majority Backs Plan

In its Friday statement, Netanyahu’s office said most members of the political-security cabinet rejected an alternative proposal, believing it would not defeat Hamas or secure the return of Israeli hostages. Any decision by the security cabinet will still need full cabinet approval, which may not happen until Sunday.

Phased Takeover Under Consideration

Government sources say a phased takeover of areas in Gaza not yet under Israeli control is among the options being studied. Evacuation warnings could be issued to residents weeks before the military advances.

Reversing the 2005 Gaza Withdrawal

A complete takeover would undo Israel’s 2005 decision to remove its citizens and soldiers from Gaza while keeping control of borders, airspace, and utilities. Right-wing parties have long blamed that withdrawal for Hamas’s rise to power in 2006.

Unclear If Takeover Will Be Long-Term

It remains uncertain whether Netanyahu envisions a prolonged military presence or a short-term operation. Israel has repeatedly stated its goals: dismantle Hamas and free the remaining hostages.

197 Palestinians Die From Starvation Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Hamas and Arab States Push Back

Hamas condemned Netanyahu’s remarks as a “blatant coup” against negotiations, accusing him of endangering captives. Jordan responded that Arab countries would only support arrangements approved by Palestinians, insisting that security should be handled by legitimate Palestinian institutions. Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera that any Arab-led force would be treated as an “occupying” body linked to Israel.

Rejected Egyptian Proposal for Gaza Governance

Earlier this year, Israel and the United States rejected an Egyptian plan, supported by Arab leaders, to form an administrative body of independent Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza after the war.

Public Opinion and U.S. Silence

Polls show most Israelis want the war to end through a deal that secures the release of hostages. The White House has yet to comment, and U.S. President Donald Trump has declined to say whether he supports a full Israeli takeover of Gaza.

UN Expresses Alarm at Escalation Plans

The United Nations has warned that any expansion of Israel’s operations in Gaza would be “deeply alarming.” Inside Israel, the idea—driven by far-right ministers—of moving troops into more areas of Gaza has also sparked controversy.