Channel 12 confirmed that the decision would mean the army entering areas it had avoided for months. It noted that Netanyahu emphasized during his talks with ministers that Hamas would not release the captives unless they surrendered completely, and that any delay would lead to their starvation.
Netanyahu used the phrase "occupation of the Gaza Strip" during his meetings, according to the official broadcasting authority, despite opposition from the security establishment, which warned of the repercussions of the operation.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir canceled a planned visit to Washington due to escalating talk of a full occupation and the collapse of negotiations with Hamas, warning that any large-scale attack could endanger the lives of prisoners. Hebrew reports linked the decision to a US-Israeli understanding, while Zamir is likely to resign if the plan is implemented.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military canceled orders extending mandatory military service for an additional four months following a surge in suicides and fatigue among soldiers participating in the fighting in Gaza.
The Israel Broadcasting Authority explained that Zamir suspended Order 8 following field visits during which he listened to commanders and soldiers, affirming his commitment to not exceeding 74 days of reserve service per year.
The decision came as operations have continued since October 2023 and casualties have mounted, with Tel Aviv imposing strict controls on the number of dead and wounded.
Military investigations revealed that 16 soldiers committed suicide since the beginning of 2025 due to the harsh conditions faced by the forces in Gaza.
This coincided with accusations that Netanyahu's office wasted an opportunity to conclude a partial prisoner exchange deal that was close to being achieved, at a time when the government is clinging to the option of reoccupying the Gaza Strip despite the human and psychological exhaustion plaguing the army's ranks.
