Netanyahu's Gaza Occupation Plan Sparks Divisions and International Concerns

As Israeli PM Netanyahu outlines a controversial plan for increased military control in Gaza, dissent grows among military officials and hostage families, raising fears of escalating humanitarian crises and potential isolation from allies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of a significant military initiative in the Gaza Strip has created substantial concerns within Israel and among its international allies. As Israel's security council prepares to review these proposals, Netanyahu declared in a recent Fox News interview his intent to assert full control over Gaza to ensure national security, eliminate Hamas, and facilitate civilian governance by other entities—although he provided no specifics.

“We don't want to govern it,” Netanyahu remarked in English. “We want to hand it over to Arab forces.” This statement has not cleared the ambiguity surrounding potential post-war governance, with no insight given on possible collaborative countries for this transition. As of now, Netanyahu is advocating for a military offensive aimed at territories still under Hamas control, particularly in Gaza City and central refugee camps housing over a million Palestinians, exacerbating the urgency of the humanitarian crisis.

Proposed military maneuvers could lead to mass civilian displacement, drawing ire from nations previously critical of Israel's two-year conflict, ongoing since Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023. The full occupation of Gaza has led to stark disagreements between Israel's military and political factions. Reportedly, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, Israel's army chief, cautioned Netanyahu against this comprehensive strategy, perceiving it as a dangerous proposition that might jeopardize hostages currently held by Hamas, many of whom are feared to be at risk of death during such an offensive.

Families of hostages echo these fears, advocating for negotiated settlements with Hamas rather than military escalations, as a way to ensure the captives' safe return. Reports indicate a prevailing belief that most living hostages may not survive an expanded military operation, either at the hands of their captors or accidental harm from Israeli forces.

The prospect of an escalation has further exposed rifts among Israel's allies. The British ambassador has warned that a thorough occupation would be a catastrophic error, while the US has emphasized that strategic decisions regarding Gaza ultimately reside with the Israeli government. Amidst this, Netanyahu has failed to propose a clear vision for Gaza's future governance after conflict, sidelining the Palestinian Authority as a potential governing body.

Public sentiment among Israelis leans toward negotiating with Hamas for the hostages' release, contrasting Netanyahu's stance, which some perceive as extending the conflict to maintain political stability within his coalition propped by ultranationalist factions. These factions, including figures like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have publicly endorsed policies that raise ethical concerns, namely the forced dislocation of Palestinian civilians, which could constitute war crimes.

Over 61,000 Palestinian lives have been reported lost amid the ongoing war, according to Gaza's health authorities. In perspective, the initial Hamas offensive claimed around 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in 251 hostages being taken into Gaza. As Netanyahu pushes forward with questionable military aspirations, the implications for both diplomatic relations and humanitarian conditions remain dire.