As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the political scene in Israel has been shaken by serious debates over the plan to establish control over Gaza City and the entire Gaza Strip.
On August 8, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid strongly criticized the new decision made by the Security Cabinet. According to him, the government’s plan to seize Gaza City and completely defeat the Hamas movement is “a catastrophic step that could lead to many other severe and tragic consequences,” Lapid wrote on his page on the social network X.
In Lapid’s view, such an action will not only further intensify the regional conflict but will also endanger the lives of Israeli hostages and numerous soldiers. He accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of yielding to the pressure of his far-right political partners — National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich — despite serious objections from the military leadership.
According to reports, these two ministers are demanding that the Israeli government establish full control over the entire Gaza Strip and expel approximately 2 million Palestinians living there. This demand, in turn, has caused serious criticism and concern on the international stage.
On the morning of August 8, Israel’s Security Council approved the plan to “defeat” the Hamas movement and establish full control over Gaza City. The decision came after late-night discussions, amid growing international calls for a ceasefire and increasing domestic discontent over the fate of hostages held by Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already mentioned these plans in an earlier interview with the American TV channel Fox News. According to him, the Israeli government intends to take full control of the entire Gaza Strip. At present, the Israeli army already controls three-quarters of the enclave’s territory.
Only time will tell the exact outcome and how the situation will develop. The question remains: will this plan pave the way for peace and stability in the region, or will it further deepen the conflict?
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