Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced Israel’s intention to assume military control over Gaza, indicating a plan to subsequently transfer governance to Arab forces. This statement was made during an interview with Fox News shortly before a meeting with his security cabinet on the evening of October 26, 2023, local time. Netanyahu confirmed that Israel aims to extend its control over the entire 42-kilometre stretch of territory.
When pressed on whether Israel plans to govern all of Gaza, Netanyahu responded affirmatively, saying, “We intend to.” He clarified that while Israel seeks a “security perimeter,” it does not wish to maintain governance over the territory. “We don’t want to keep it. We want to have a security perimeter. We don’t want to govern it. We don’t want to be there as a governing body,” he remarked.
The Israeli government has faced significant international backlash and increasing domestic pressure to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has now persisted for nearly 22 months. Critics within Israel, including senior military officials and families of hostages taken by Hamas, have voiced concerns regarding Netanyahu’s push for a full military occupation.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly experiencing fatigue and burnout as the conflict stretches on, raising questions about the sustainability of their current operations. The mounting pressure from various sectors underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the prolonged crisis in Gaza.
As Netanyahu prepares to discuss these developments with his security cabinet, the implications of military control and the potential transfer of governance remain to be seen, further complicating an already volatile situation in the region.
