Jerusalem: Israel's security cabinet is poised to make a critical decision this week regarding the expansion of the nearly 22-month-long conflict in the Gaza Strip, as well as the future of ceasefire negotiations, as reported by Israeli media.
According to Anadolu Agency, Channel 12 television has indicated that the security cabinet will deliberate on intensifying attacks on Gaza, despite the potential risk to the lives of Israeli hostages held within the enclave. The plan has created a division within Israel's leadership. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman and Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, are reportedly in favor of escalating the offensive.
Conversely, proponents of pursuing a ceasefire and prisoner exchange include Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Shas Party leader Aryeh Deri-who recently resigned from the government-National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, Mossad Director David Barnea, Nitzan Alon, who manages the hostage file for the military, and members of the Shin Bet negotiating team. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz remain undecided on the matter.
Channel 13 also reported that Zamir has shared concerns with his associates that expanding attacks could jeopardize the lives of hostages, and he would require explicit political directions to approve such measures. Additionally, the Haaretz daily reported that preparations are in progress for expanding Israeli military operations in Gaza, which is already facing a dire humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing assault.
According to the report, Zamir is anticipated to endorse a 'phased attack plan.' This plan involves targeting 'sensitive areas'-including refugee camps harboring displaced Palestinians-in ground offensives. The army has so far refrained from such ground attacks in these zones due to the presence of Israeli hostages, but the new strategy is expected to be submitted to the government.
A senior Israeli official informed Haaretz of an increasing consensus that Hamas is unlikely to seek a deal, prompting the prime minister to advocate for the release of hostages as part of a military solution, alongside providing humanitarian aid to regions outside conflict zones and, as much as possible, to areas not under Hamas control.
Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli army has continued a forceful offensive on Gaza, dismissing international calls for a ceasefire, resulting in the deaths of over 60,800 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.