Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Gaza population will relocate Gaza to the southern part of the enclave after the approval of the Israeli Security Cabinet’s military expansion operation, a move described as a plan to “conquer” Gaza.
The decision came after the Israeli military announced that it would mobilize thousands of reserve personnel, which greatly improved its operating capabilities on the territory.
“Will not show up. We won’t go in and then exit,” Netanyahu said in a video message posted on X on Monday.
“The plan is to call up reserves, keep the territory and keep moving forward.”
He added that civilians were displaced as part of strengthening military efforts to “protect them.”
A senior Israeli security official said the operation, called Gideon, was unanimously approved by the security cabinet, aimed at defeating Hamas and ensuring the release of all hostages. The plan is expected to be launched after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East next week and provides a window into what Israeli officials consider to be a hostage deal.
“If no deal is reached, the action will go all out and continue until all goals are achieved,” the official said.
Under the plan, Gaza’s population will move southward and the humanitarian blockade will only be lifted after displacement. The official added that the Israeli military will remain in all captured areas and maintain a permanent safe buffer zone near Gaza.
“We are in a major entry into Gaza,” Netanyahu said.
Israeli military spokesman Brig. General Effie Defrin said the most important point of the operation was the return of the hostages, putting it above Hamas’ failed targets. “First of all, the goal is to take the hostage home,” he said.
This position has sparked criticism from National Security Minister Itama Ben Gvir, who said DeFrin is “confused” by the military’s relative to political leadership.
Hostage families also expressed concern that an expanded war could endanger the safety of loved ones, criticizing the government for viewing military action as a priority on hostage agreements.
Asked about the U.S. position, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said: “The president made it clear that if Hamas continues to take hostages, including Americans, including Americans.
Finance Minister Bezales Smotrich suggested on Monday that Gaza could annex after military captives, noting: “We are finally going to conquer the Gaza Strip.” Although he did not formally request annexation as a war target, he added: “Once we start manipulation, there will be no evacuation – no hostages even.”
Smotrich, a far-right figure who had a significant impact on the alliance, emphasized that any captured territory should be under Israel’s control.
Since mid-March, more than 2,400 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported 52,000 deaths since the beginning of the conflict.
Officials noted that military escalation will be carried out step by step before Trump visits the area so that time can be made for a potential ceasefire or hostage agreement. His itinerary includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, and currently there are no plans to visit Israel.
The United Nations expressed shock at Israel’s planned military expansion. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said Secretary António Guterres was “very concerned” with the potential for further civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza is now entering its ninth week. The Cabinet approved a new framework for restoring assistance, but it has not yet taken effect. Sources said the decision sparked internal debate with far-right ministers opposing aid and Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, chief of staff of the IDF, believes that Israel has a legal obligation to help promote humanitarian relief under international law.
