Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to present an updated war plan for Gaza on Tuesday designed to destroy Hamas and secure the release of dozens of hostages, as Israeli media reported he would order a full occupation of the Palestinian territory. Netanyahu was expected to meet with security chiefs in Jerusalem to issue the new orders, even as Israeli diplomats convened a UN Security Council meeting in New York to highlight the plight of Israelis in Gaza.
The timing of the meeting with security chiefs has not been officially confirmed. Netanyahu said on Monday it would take place “in the coming days.” Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu would meet with the army chief of staff and the defense and military ministers. Unnamed senior officials told Israeli media that he intended to order a reoccupation of Gaza.
“Netanyahu wants the Israeli military to capture the entire Gaza Strip,” Kan TV reported.
“Several cabinet members who spoke to the prime minister confirmed that he had decided to expand the fight to areas where hostages could be held,” the broadcaster reported.
The private daily Maariv wrote: “The die has been cast. We are on our way to completely conquer Gaza.” Although the plan to recapture Gaza has not been officially confirmed, it has already provoked an angry reaction from the Palestinian Authority and the Gaza government, which have insisted that they will not change their position on the ceasefire negotiations, AA writes.
