Netanyahu hints at bigger offensive and Gaza takeover

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks cabinet backing to expand Israel’s offensive in Gaza and seize the entire enclave, according to Israeli media.

- BEL TREW

Mr Netanyahu is set to meet with his security cabinet today, as he declared they would discuss how to instruct the military to meet his war goals in Gaza.

Senior officials in Mr Netanyahu’s office allegedly said: “The decision has been made - we’re going to occupy Gaza”, according to Israeli news channel N12. The Jerusalem Post also reported plans of an occupation, citing a source in the prime minister’s office. The Independent has approached the PM’s office to confirm these reports.

Mr Netanyahu shared a video of himself at 9pm local time [1800 GMT] yesterday in which he said Israel was “committing to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists”.

Some cabinet ministers like finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir want to see Israel impose military rule in Gaza before annexing it and reestablishing the Jewish settlements Israel evicted 20 years ago.