Netanyahu says Israel wants to take control of all of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (August 7, 2025) that Israel intends to take military control of all of Gaza and will eventually hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it properly.

“We intend to,” Netanyahu said in an interview with Fox News when asked if Israel would take control of the entire 26-mile strip. “We don’t want to keep it. We want to have a security perimeter. We don’t want to govern it. We don’t want to be there as a governing body.”

On August 7, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a Fox News interview that Israel intends to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip, though he emphasized it is not seeking long‑term governance. His goal, he said, is to establish a “security perimeter” and eventually transfer administration to “Arab forces” or a civilian government “that will govern properly without threatening us”—critically, excluding Hamas or any group opposed to Israel’s existence ReutersAxiosABCAl Jazeera.

What’s Behind the Move?

Netanyahu’s proposal is being presented before the Israeli Security Cabinet as a temporary, multi‑month occupation, rather than a permanent annexation. The operation—focused on seizing remaining areas like Gaza City—is intended to weaken Hamas, pressure for hostage release, and respond to pressure from far‑right coalition partners Financial TimesAxiosThe GuardianReuters.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) currently hold about 75% of Gaza following Operation Gideon’s Chariots (May–August 2025) Wikipedia+1. Netanyahu likely sees this as an opportunity to cement security control over the remaining territory. But he insists the goal is not administration; the territory would eventually be turned over to a civil authority rather than governed directly by Israel AxiosReutersFinancial Times.

Opposition from Within

This proposal has stirred deep divisions—not just internationally, but domestically. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials reportedly oppose the plan, citing risks to hostages and Israeli soldiers, along with high civilian and operational costs The Washington PostFinancial TimesReuters.

Hostage families are also vocal critics, opposing any offensive that could endanger their loved ones still held by Hamas ReutersThe Guardian. The partisan right, however, continues to push for full occupation and even the re-establishment of settlements—a move Netanyahu cannot ignore as a coalition necessity Financial TimesReuters.

A Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

While this debate rages, Gaza’s humanitarian situation has reached catastrophic levels. Over 61,000 Palestinians have died, and famine looms over tens of thousands amid collapsing infrastructure, severe malnutrition, and fragmented aid distribution ReutersThe Washington PostThe Guardian.

Global organizations, including the UN and MSF, have sounded alarms about mounting child malnutrition, virtually destroyed cropland, and aid zones becoming deadly hotspots The GuardianThe Washington Post.

What Lies Ahead?

The Security Cabinet’s decision—expected imminently—will critically shape Gaza’s future. If approved, a full military campaign may begin targeting Gaza City and other strongholds, potentially displacing up to a million civilians and worsening the humanitarian toll AxiosCadena SER.

Should Israel succeed in its goal of creating and controlling a security perimeter, how governance transitions will be negotiated remains vague. The choice of Arab authorities or other civil entities is unclarified and could spark tensions both regionally and internationally.

On the diplomatic front, the move invites backlash. Critics argue it could constitute de facto annexation and violate international norms. Some EU officials have even warned that Israel’s actions in Gaza may resemble genocide—a charge that, if substantiated, could precipitate legal and moral repercussions The Guardian.

In Summary

Israel’s plan, as laid out by Netanyahu on August 7, 2025, calls for a temporary full military occupation of Gaza—not as ruler, but as securer, with eventual handover to neutral civil forces. The proposal ignites fierce internal and external conflict, unfolding amid one of the worst humanitarian calamities of recent memory. The coming days may determine whether this gambit brings the war toward resolution—or only adds another layer of tragedy.https://theworldfinancialforum.com/participate/