Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his security cabinet on Thursday to discuss expanding Israel’s military campaign into the rest of Gaza, even amid growing domestic criticism that such a step would endanger the lives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups in the enclave.
Mr. Netanyahu’s high-stakes proposal comes as the last military operation, which began in mid-March, has come to a virtual standstill and as negotiations with Hamas for a cease-fire and a hostage-for-prisoner exchange have reached an impasse.
A hunger crisis in Gaza, which many aid agencies and foreign governments blame on Israeli policies, has spurred an international diplomatic backlash against Israel, including from some of its closest traditional allies.
In Israel, the proposal to extend the military takeover of the enclave into the heart of Gaza City and central areas of the territory, where officials believe hostages are being held, is causing growing concern, especially among the families of the hostages and their supporters.
After two brief cease-fires and some rescue missions, 50 hostages remain in the enclave, of whom 20 are believed to be alive, according to Israeli officials.
The military says it already controls more than 75 percent of Gaza. Polls have shown that most Israelis want the war to end in a deal that would see the hostages released. But the Israeli government’s stated goal of “total victory” over Hamas has yet to be achieved.
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The post Despite Opposition, Netanyahu’s Cabinet to Discuss Gaza Military Push appeared first on New York Times.
