Netanyahu Holds A Security Cabinet Meeting To Discuss The Expansion Of War In Gaza

Gaza/DOK UNRWA Condition

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with a small group of senior ministers on Thursday to discuss a military plan to control more territory in Gaza.

Netanyahu will hold a security cabinet meeting after a three-hour meeting this week with the military chief, described by Israeli officials as a tense meeting.

The military commander is said to have rejected the expansion of military operations.

The survey shows the majority of Israelis want the war to end with a deal that will free the remaining hostages.

As reported by Reuters, the Netanyahu government insisted on an absolute victory over the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which sparked the war with its deadly attack on Israel in October 2023.

The idea of Israeli troops to enter territory that has not yet been controlled in the destroyed Palestinian pockets has raised concerns in Israel.

The mother of a hostage on Thursday, August 7, urged the public to take to the streets to voice their rejection of the expansion of military operations.

"A person who talks about a comprehensive deal will not go and conquer the Gaza Strip and endanger the hostages and soldiers," Einav Zangauker wrote on X in comments addressed to Netanyahu.

The Hostage Family Forum, which represents the hostages held in Gaza, urged Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to oppose the expansion of the war and urged the government to accept a deal that would end the war and free the remaining hostages.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz said the military would carry out government decisions until all war goals were reached.

Israeli leaders have long insisted that Hamas be stripped of arms and have no future role in Gaza's demilitarization, and that the hostages be released.

The United Nations said reports of the possible expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza were "very worrying" if correct.

There are 50 hostages still being held in Gaza, which Israeli officials believe 20 of them are still alive.

Most of those released so far are the result of diplomatic negotiations. Negotiations towards a ceasefire that should have released some hostages failed in July.