Netanyahu’s Plan for Full Gaza Occupation Faces Strong Opposition from Israeli Public and Military

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pushing for a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, a move that has sparked significant backlash from both the Israeli public and military leadership, as well as international condemnation. After 22 months of a devastating war that has killed over 60,000 Palestinians and brought Gaza to the brink of famine, Netanyahu’s plan to escalate the conflict further by occupying the entire territory is seen as defying widespread domestic and global calls for a ceasefire.

According to Israeli media, Netanyahu has decided to pursue a complete occupation of Gaza, with a senior official anonymously quoted as saying, “The die is cast – we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip.” This decision was discussed in a meeting with senior security officials on Tuesday, where Netanyahu expressed support for the Israeli military taking control of the entire enclave, even at the risk of harming or killing the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

The fate of the hostages, taken during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has been a central issue throughout the war. Netanyahu initially cited their rescue as a primary war aim, but with many captives still held in areas outside Israeli control, critics argue his strategy prioritizes political survival over their safety. Ahron Bregman, a political scientist at King’s College London and former Israeli officer, stated, “Netanyahu wants to continue the war. He wants time to maintain his coalition and drag out his corruption trial,” referring to the criminal charges the prime minister has faced since 2019. **Motivations Behind the Plan** The rationale for this escalation remains unclear. Some analysts suggest it may be a tactic to pressure Hamas into returning to ceasefire negotiations, which collapsed in March after Israel imposed a blockade that triggered widespread starvation in Gaza. Others believe it could reflect a genuine intent to eradicate Hamas entirely or to force Gaza’s population into “concentration zone” camps, as part of a broader strategy to break Palestinian resistance. Israeli political analyst Nimrod Flaschenberg noted, “Netanyahu has proven he doesn’t care about popular opinion or mass protests, as long as his right-wing base is satisfied.” He questioned whether the Israeli military has the capacity to sustain such an occupation, given the significant resources and manpower required **Military and Public Opposition** The plan faces strong resistance from within Israel’s military and security establishment. Senior officers, including Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, reportedly oppose further escalation, citing the risks to hostages and soldiers, as well as the logistical challenges of occupying Gaza. Over 600 former Israeli security officials, under the Commanders for Israel’s Security (CIS) group, signed an open letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to push for an end to the war. The letter stated, “It is our professional judgment that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel.” Former Shin Bet head Ami Ayalon emphasized that while Hamas is militarily diminished, its ideology is gaining traction among Palestinians and globally, fueled by the war’s devastation. Public sentiment in Israel also leans heavily against the war. A May poll by Channel 12 revealed that most Israelis believe Netanyahu prioritizes clinging to power over achieving victory or securing the hostages’ release. Protests demanding a ceasefire and the return of the hostages have intensified, particularly after Hamas released videos showing emaciated captives, sparking outrage and further eroding support for Netanyahu’s policies.[] **Military Feasibility and International Backlash** Experts doubt the feasibility of Netanyahu’s plan. Colonel Seth Krummrich of Global Guardian highlighted the immense resources needed to occupy Gaza, noting, “The Israeli population is divided on this issue, so there are domestic headwinds that will not support this level of mobilization.” He added that the lack of military leadership support could undermine the operation, as commanders must convince soldiers of its worth, especially given the war’s toll on reservists and the rising mental health crisis among troops. Internationally, the plan has drawn sharp criticism. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have condemned Israel’s blockade and the proposed occupation, warning of catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. The U.N. rejected Israel’s plan to control aid distribution as “dangerous” and a violation of humanitarian principles, with some accusing it of aiming for a permanent demographic shift in Gaza. **Political Calculations**

Critics argue that Netanyahu’s push for occupation is driven by political motives, particularly to appease his far-right coalition partners, who advocate for re-establishing Jewish settlements in Gaza. Yossi Mekelberg of Chatham House described Netanyahu as “fractured from reality,” arguing that his refusal to end the war stems from a desire to maintain power and delay his corruption trial. The opposition, including figures like Yair Lapid and Yair Golan, has gained traction by calling for a ceasefire and a postwar vision that includes peace talks, but they face challenges in unifying against Netanyahu’s entrenched coalition.

As Netanyahu presses forward with his controversial plan, the growing divide between his government, the military, and the Israeli public underscores the precariousness of his strategy, both at home and on the global stage.