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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to launch a full-scale ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported Monday evening.
The Israeli security cabinet is expected to convene to discuss the planned expansion, with the invasion likely to begin in areas where Israeli hostages are believed to be held, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, citing a senior official close to the prime minister, reported that Netanyahu has approved broader military action across the territory. “The die is cast — we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip,” the official was quoted as saying.
The source also stated that operations may take place in areas where hostages are believed to be held and that opposition from military leadership could lead to resignations.
Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 said the decision marks a new phase in Israel’s campaign, with operations likely to expand into densely populated parts of Gaza, including central refugee camps where many Palestinians displaced by previous attacks have taken shelter.
The public broadcaster KAN reported that Netanyahu reached this decision despite opposition from elements within the security establishment. According to the report, several ministers who recently spoke with the prime minister confirmed that he intends to proceed with operations even in areas considered highly sensitive due to civilian density and the presence of Israeli captives.
Previous reports in the Israeli press indicated that the military had avoided ground attacks in several areas due to the presumed presence of hostages and the risk to non-combatants. However, these zones are now expected to be included in upcoming operations under a wider plan.
The expanded military plan is expected to be reviewed by the Israeli cabinet in the coming days.
According to media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the strategy, reportedly giving Netanyahu a “green light” to proceed.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli bombardments have caused extensive damage across Gaza. According to the latest figures, at least 60,839 Palestinians—most of them women and children—have been killed, while another 149,588 have been injured.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that Israel is using starvation as “a weapon of war” against civilians in Gaza, as families face conditions described as disaster-level hunger.
Israel is also subject to a genocide case at the International Criminal Court (ICC), initiated in 2023. The court has issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with alleged war crimes committed during the military campaign in Gaza.
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