Israel’s political and military leadership has approved a plan to expand its offensive in Gaza and take control of humanitarian aid distribution to the enclave’s 2.3 million residents, according to multiple reports citing unnamed Israeli officials.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet unanimously endorsed the move, which includes calling up additional reservists and assigning the Israeli military responsibility for the distribution of food and other essential supplies. Reports suggest the plan could extend to the full occupation of Gaza.
“The plan will include, among other things, the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, moving the Gaza population south for their protection,” a source told AFP. Reuters added the operation “could go as far as seizing the entire enclave.”
The plan also includes proposals for Israel to manage humanitarian aid logistics. “International organizations and private security contractors [would hand] out boxes of food” under Israeli military security, an unnamed official told The Times of Israel.
The same source added that Netanyahu “continues to promote” U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza.
Aid groups have warned of looming famine, particularly after Israel blocked all aid from entering Gaza on March 2. Although the offensive resumed more than two weeks later, Israel maintains that enough supplies are currently available.
Tensions within the Israeli government over the plan are high. Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly warned that escalating the military campaign could jeopardize the lives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. “You don’t understand what you are saying. You are endangering us all,” Zamir told far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, according to Israel’s Kan broadcaster. “There is an international law, we are committed to it. We cannot starve the Strip, your statements are dangerous.”
Ben-Gvir had called for further cuts to aid, including bombing food warehouses and cutting electricity entirely. He was reportedly the only cabinet member to oppose bypassing international aid routes in favor of direct Israeli control.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu reaffirmed that the ultimate objective remains the defeat of Hamas and the return of hostages. However, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an Israeli advocacy group, criticized the plan for “sacrificing” those still captive.
Opposition leaders also pushed back. Yair Lapid questioned the rationale for mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists without a clearly defined objective. Yair Golan accused Netanyahu of advancing a plan that “serves no security purpose and does not bring the release of the hostages closer,” saying it’s only meant to preserve his government.
Though implementation is not expected immediately, the plan includes creating a new “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza to serve as an aid base.
