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Netanyahu pressing with plan to occupy Gaza to ensure his cabinet's survival: Report

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 23 August 2025 7:18 PM

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is proceeding with his plan to occupy Gaza to ensure the survival of his cabinet amidst internal political pressure related to the ongoing genocidal war in the besieged territory, according to Israeli media reports.

An unnamed military source, as cited by the Hebrew-language Maariv daily newspaper on Saturday, emphasized Netanyahu's insistence on advancing with the offensive known as "Operation Gideon Chariots II," a sequel to a previous assault in May, during which the Israeli regime significantly intensified its war on Gaza.

The source further noted that Netanyahu "understands that without the operation, he will not be able to maintain cabinet cohesion and it will fall apart," as security sources have cautioned that failing to carry out the assault could lead to the collapse of his regime.

This comes as Israeli far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have threatened to withdraw from Netanyahu's coalition if he agrees to any deal to cease the ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which has been ongoing for almost 23 months.

The source further stated that preparations for a new phase of fighting are being taken seriously by the Israeli military, with reserve forces scheduled to be gradually called up starting on September 2, following the summer break, as a signal of the military's intent to carry out the operation.

According to reports from Maariv, the army foresees prolonged fighting in Gaza over several months and plans to incrementally extend reserve duty, including strategies to relocate Gaza City residents southward as part of the reoccupation plan.

Additionally, hospital directors in Gaza City have been warned to prepare evacuation plans and arrange for the transfer of patients to the European Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis, in anticipation of the impending military operation.

On Wednesday, the Israeli regime began deploying its forces on the outskirts of Gaza City in preparation for implementing its scheme to occupy the Gaza Strip's largest urban area.

Netanyahu has ordered the military to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the deployment of 20,000 others.

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has warned that Tel Aviv will fail to achieve its objectives, noting that Netanyahu continues to pursue the assault despite the group's endorsement of a recent ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States and presented by Qatar and Egypt.