Netanyahu reportedly pushing for full occupation of Gaza amid tensions with army chief
Israeli media leak claims PM received Trump’s approval to expand military offensive, amid growing international criticism of Israel for its food blockade, creating famine in Gaza
TEL AVIV, Israel (MNTV) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to expand Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip into a full-scale occupation, according to leaks published Monday by Israeli news outlets Channel 12 and Ynet, citing unnamed senior officials close to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Channel 12 reported that “the decision has been made” to move toward the occupation of Gaza, quoting sources who described Netanyahu as determined to proceed.
Netanyahu is also said to have explicitly used the term “occupation of the Strip” in recent conversations with several cabinet ministers, the report noted.
The leak coincides with rising tension between Netanyahu and Israeli army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who is reportedly opposed to escalating the ground operation in Gaza. Israeli media indicated that Zamir has raised concerns about the safety of hostages and the growing fatigue among Israeli forces.
Ynet’s report, which similarly cited anonymous sources close to Netanyahu, claimed the Prime Minister intends to intensify the offensive following what it described as a “green light” from U.S. President Donald Trump. The report did not provide further details on the nature or timing of that approval.
Both Channel 12 and Ynet noted that such leaks, commonly attributed to unnamed sources near the Prime Minister, are often interpreted as authorized by Netanyahu himself, though this has not been confirmed.
Middle East Eye, which also covered the developments, stated that it could not independently verify the credibility of the sources quoted by Israeli media.
According to reports, those aligned with Netanyahu’s position believe that Zamir should consider stepping down if he continues to oppose the Prime Minister’s direction on Gaza.
The renewed push for occupation and internal disagreements reflect a broader discontentment within Israel’s leadership over the future of Gaza and the long-term objectives of the military campaign.
Netanyahu is currently the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Gaza, which has further complicated international perceptions of the ongoing conflict.
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