Israel has announced a sweeping new military strategy aimed at seizing full control of Gaza and dismantling Hamas’ remaining infrastructure. The plan, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet in the early hours of Monday, calls for a months-long escalation of ground operations and airstrikes across the Palestinian enclave.
The move comes amid stalled ceasefire talks and growing pressure on the Israeli government to respond forcefully. Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, confirmed that tens of thousands of reservists are being called up, stating that the objective is to “bring our people back and defeat Hamas.” He also pledged to destroy all above- and below-ground facilities associated with the group.
Currently holding roughly a third of Gaza’s territory, Israeli forces will now shift from temporary raids to long-term occupation of seized areas, according to Security Cabinet Minister Zeev Elkin. “We will hold these territories until Hamas is defeated or agrees to disarm and leave Gaza,” he said. The shift in strategy comes after the U.S.-brokered ceasefire collapsed in March, ending a two-month pause in fighting.
Despite the aggressive new posture, officials say a ceasefire and hostage deal could still be possible ahead of President Trump’s upcoming visit to the region. Elkin noted that Hamas still has a brief window to negotiate, suggesting Israel’s escalation is intended, in part, to force the group’s hand before diplomatic talks resume.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns continue to rise as Israel maintains a full blockade on aid entering Gaza. And with missile strikes already spreading beyond the enclave—including a ballistic missile that struck near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday—the region appears headed for an even more volatile chapter in the ongoing conflict.
