Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to pursue a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, despite strong opposition from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the potential risk to hostages still held by Hamas.

According to a report by The Times of Israel on Monday (August 4), Netanyahu is expected to seek cabinet approval for the plan within the week. Several ministers have confirmed that Netanyahu has privately used the word “takeover” in conversations, signaling a significantly more aggressive military stance toward Gaza.

A senior official close to Netanyahu told Israeli media outlet Walla: “The decision has been made. We are going to take full control of Gaza.” The official added that operations would extend even into areas where hostages are believed to be held. “If the Chief of Staff disagrees, he should resign,” the source was quoted as saying.

However, Israeli military leadership appears divided. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has reportedly expressed opposition to the full occupation plan. Currently, IDF controls about 75% of Gaza. The new plan would expand operations to the remaining areas, effectively bringing the entire strip under Israeli military control.

Military officials have warned that such a move could take years due to the extensive underground infrastructure developed by Hamas. They also raised concerns that an intensified operation may place the lives of hostages at immediate risk.

Humanitarian organizations and international observers have also raised alarms about the potential consequences for Gaza’s civilian population and ongoing aid efforts, should Israel proceed with full-scale occupation.

While Netanyahu has announced plans to convene the cabinet soon to discuss the next steps, some analysts suggest he may ultimately urge patience to allow negotiations for hostage releases to continue.

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Israel, urging an immediate halt to its airstrikes on Iran and declaring that both nations have broken the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and Qatar.

Speaking at a White House briefing on Tuesday, Mr Trump said he was “really unhappy” with Israel’s continued military action, calling on the country to “bring your pilots home, now.”

Tensions have escalated sharply in recent days following Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to launch missile strikes on a US military base in Qatar in retaliation.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced “intense strikes” on Tehran in response to what he described as Iranian violations of the truce. Iran, however, denies breaching the agreement and has warned it is prepared to respond “decisively” to further Israeli actions.

The conflict has already resulted in heavy casualties. Iranian officials report that more than 400 people, including 13 children, have been killed since Israel began its offensive on June 13. An additional 3,056 people have been injured, according to Iranian sources. In Israel, at least 24 people have died as a result of Iranian strikes.

The ceasefire, intended to reduce tensions in the region, now appears to be in tatters, with the US struggling to rein in both allies and adversaries.