Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved plans to expand the conflict and capture Gaza City on Friday, August 8th. The plans, heavily criticised in Europe, nevertheless enjoy some critical support on the part of right-wing Israelis—although others don’t think the proposals go far enough.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich posted an online video stating
The prime minister and the cabinet gave in to weakness. Emotion overcame reason, and they once again chose to do more of the same—launching a military operation whose goal is not decisive victory, but rather to apply limited pressure on Hamas in order to bring about a partial hostage deal.
Support from the right wing of Netanyahu’s coalition is seen as central to retaining at least 61 seats and, consequently, a parliamentary majority. Appealing to this constituency, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir told Kan radio on Sunday, August 10th
It is possible to achieve victory. I want all of Gaza, transfer and colonisation. This plan will not endanger the troops.
While Israel moved in a common direction following the Hamas-led October 7th massacres, there is growing disagreement over the most effective strategy to secure the return of the remaining hostages. Although there is some disagreement over whether this goes too far—or not far enough—the cabinet’s recent decision to expand the war in Gaza and take Gaza City would go beyond simply resolving the hostage situation. In Netanyahu’s promise,
We are not going to occupy Gaza—we are going to free Gaza from Hamas.
