Netanyahu says new attack on Gaza to be 'intensive', postpones probe
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirms plans for expanded attack in Gaza, while far-right ministers call for full reoccupation and expulsion of Palestinians.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the Yom HaZikaron annual ceremony at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in occupied Palestine, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli military is on the "brink of a massive entry into the Gaza Strip," affirming that the occupation forces will not merely strike and withdraw, but will remain on the ground in Gaza as part of a prolonged offensive.
His remarks followed a five-hour session of the Israeli security-political cabinet on Sunday evening, during which the ministers approved an expansion of the ongoing aggression on Gaza.
Speaking Monday afternoon, Netanyahu also stated that "a committee should be formed to investigate the events of October 7," but added that such an inquiry should only take place after the war.
He avoided committing to immediate accountability, claiming that "officers and commanders cannot be distracted by legal concerns during wartime."
According to Israeli Channel Kan 11, the new military attack in Gaza, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots", is expected to commence after US President Donald Trump visits the region.
Israeli ministers push for full reoccupation
Far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich renewed their radical calls for the full reoccupation of the Gaza Strip and the expulsion of its population. Ben Gvir declared that "the only aid that should enter Gaza is voluntary migration."
Smotrich echoed this rhetoric, saying, "We are occupying Gaza to stay. There’s no longer room for in-and-out operations. This is a war for victory." He added, "It’s time to stop fearing the word ‘occupation.’"
Israeli Channel 12 criticized the proposed operation, stating that it represents no real strategic shift. The outlet reported that the occupation forces have already controlled more than 30% of Gaza for months, including strategic zones such as the Philadelphi Corridor.
The channel questioned whether this extended presence has changed the military equation or helped in securing the release of Israeli captives. Their conclusion: "Absolutely not."
Full occupation 'not planned'
Military analyst Yossi Yehoshua from Yedioth Ahronoth cited senior officers in the Israeli army who said that a full occupation of the Strip is not planned. "We will not enter areas where there is a risk to the lives of captives," one officer noted.
Meanwhile, Amos Harel, military analyst for Haaretz, warned that "we are heading into another catastrophe in Gaza" following the decision to expand the operation. He predicted that the occupation would likely suffer further losses in soldiers and captives.
Harel added that, beyond the worsening humanitarian crisis for Palestinians, it is highly doubtful that the planned expansion will lead to the genuine subjugation of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.
Israeli cabinet greenlights expansion of 'military operations' in Gaza
This is happening as "Israel's" security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has approved a gradual expansion of the ongoing war on Gaza, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11, citing informed sources.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military chief, confirmed that the military has begun issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for reserve forces.
In a video statement posted on X, Netanyahu said he was convening the security cabinet to discuss “the next stage” of the war on Gaza. His comments came just hours after a missile, launched from the Yemeni Armed Forces, landed near "Israel's" main Ben Gurion Airport.
“We are increasing the pressure with the goal of returning our people [captives] and defeating Hamas,” said Zamir, addressing troops in a statement issued by the military.
