JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that he has directed the Israel Defense Forces to expand their ground presence across the Gaza Strip, aiming to secure control over 70 percent of the besieged Palestinian territory. The order marks a significant escalation in the nine-month-long military campaign, signaling a shift from targeted operations toward a broader assertion of territorial authority.
In a televised address from the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu stated, “I have instructed the IDF to increase operational control in key sectors of Gaza to ensure the complete dismantling of Hamas’s remaining capabilities. This is a necessary step to secure our borders and bring our hostages home.” He did not specify a timeline for the expanded occupation, but military analysts say the move could involve tens of thousands of additional troops and the establishment of new forward operating bases.
A Shift in Military Strategy
The announcement represents a departure from Israel’s earlier stated goal of “destroying Hamas without maintaining a long-term presence.” Since the October 7 attack by Hamas that killed an estimated 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 200 hostages, the IDF has conducted intensive air and ground operations. However, control levels have fluctuated, with Israeli forces withdrawing from northern Gaza in November only to return in January amid relentless rocket fire.
According to Israeli defense officials, the new directive will focus on northern and central Gaza, including the suburbs of Gaza City and the refugee camps of Jabalia and Shati. The military aims to secure a buffer zone along the border, establish a corridor dividing the strip, and eliminate weapons storage facilities hidden in civilian infrastructure. “We cannot allow Hamas to rebuild its tunnels and rocket arsenals,” said IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. “This increased control will deny them the territory they need to operate.”
Humanitarian Concerns Mount
The expansion has drawn immediate condemnation from humanitarian organizations and international bodies. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, with the majority being women and children. The new operation is expected to displace hundreds of thousands more from areas previously considered safer.
“A 70 percent control level essentially means the reduction of Gaza to a fraction of its original size, with massive civilian populations squeezed into overcrowded southern zones already lacking food, water, and medical supplies,” warned Dr. Rania al-Haj, a spokesperson for Médecins Sans Frontières. The World Food Programme has warned that famine conditions are imminent in northern Gaza, where aid deliveries have been severely restricted by Israeli checkpoints.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
The announcement has further strained Israel’s relations with key allies. The United States, while reiterating its support for Israel’s right to self-defense, expressed “serious concern” about the humanitarian implications. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said, “We are seeking clarification from Israeli officials on the scope and duration of this operation. Any increase in military activity must be accompanied by concrete steps to protect civilians and ensure the flow of aid.”
Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have labeled the move a violation of international law. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry called for an emergency Arab League summit, warning that the expansion could trigger a broader regional conflict involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran-backed militias in Syria. Meanwhile, rising violence in the West Bank—where Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinian villages—has raised fears of a third intifada.
What Comes Next?
Military experts say securing 70 percent of Gaza is a logistical challenge that could take weeks or months, involving house-to-house fighting in dense urban areas. “Even if Israel achieves this control, it does not solve the political question of who will govern Gaza after the war,” said Dr. Yossi Mekelberg, a senior analyst at Chatham House. “Without a credible Palestinian authority or international oversight, this will just be a permanent occupation.”
Netanyahu faces domestic pressure from far-right coalition partners who demand the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza, while opposition parties accuse him of lacking a clear exit strategy. As the ground expands, the price—both in blood and in international credibility—continues to rise.