Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to defeat Hamas by force, repeating a strategy that has failed in the past. His decision to capture Gaza City is part of a broader operation aimed at occupying all of Gaza and handing it over to “Arab forces” that will govern it properly.
Netanyahu’s plan, approved by his cabinet on Friday, follows a pattern that has led to previous failures. Israel captured much of Gaza City in the first months of war but relinquished it after assuming Hamas had been defeated. The decision to expand the campaign despite international pressure and military depletion is at odds with the views of Israel’s military leadership.
Analysts say Netanyahu has prioritized his political needs, choosing to extend the war to appease his far-right coalition allies. Critics argue that the definition of success is unachievable, as it demands the complete elimination of every last Hamas member.
However, Netanyahu’s plan could offer a more hopeful future for Gaza if implemented. The promise to cede Gaza to Arab partners and resettle it with Jewish civilians may provide a rare opportunity for postwar planning. Yet, many in the Arab world view this move as unacceptable.
International pressure to end the war grows, with Egyptian officials suggesting an international force could keep the peace in Gaza. However, Israel’s cabinet announced plans to retain “security control” over Gaza and prevent the Palestinian Authority from governing it, which may alienate Arab leaders.
Unless Netanyahu moderates or cancels his plan, the renewed campaign is likely to lead to further division between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-city-capture-netanyahu-hamas.html