Netanyahu's Two-Option Plan for Gaza: A Full-Scale Occupation

Amid the stalemate in indirect ceasefire and prisoner exchange talks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly signaling a new, wide-scale military escalation in the devastated Gaza Strip, aiming for its complete takeover. According to Israel's Channel 12, the negotiations have reached an impasse, leading Netanyahu to propose a new strategy for Gaza.

The Details of Israel's New Plan

The proposed Israeli plan for the besieged territory reportedly includes two primary options, both designed to achieve comprehensive control over the Palestinian enclave:

• Option 1: Immediate Military Administration: This approach would involve establishing a direct Israeli military administration in Gaza, granting the army full authority to conduct maneuvers and operations across the entire territory. This constitutes a direct and intensive military occupation.

• Option 2: Encirclement of Humanitarian Camps: This option focuses on encircling key humanitarian camps while leaving specific areas free from combat to allow for the entry of humanitarian aid. As reported by i24NEWS, this strategy could combine both occupation and encirclement simultaneously, giving Israel tight control over major residential areas.

Reports suggest that the idea of a full-scale occupation of Gaza originated with Netanyahu himself, rather than the military, which reportedly prefers a "phased encirclement" option. While Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir presented Netanyahu with options to complete the campaign, he remains opposed to a full occupation. This divergence between the political and military leadership puts the army in a difficult position, with Zamir indicating that he will carry out any political decision made, while still favoring a less escalatory strategy.

Hamas's Technology to Detect Israeli Army Movements

In a related development, Israel's Channel 12 revealed alarming information from released hostages. According to their testimonies, Hamas possesses sophisticated technology capable of detecting the movements of the Israeli army in the areas where captives are being held.

• Diverse Technological Means: The freed hostages reported that Hamas uses various technological tools, such as cameras equipped with sensors, or even explosive devices designed to detonate if Israeli forces approach the locations where prisoners are held, providing the group with an early warning system. This warning, which has also been relayed to the families of the hostages, raises new concerns about the safety of the captives should military operations be expanded.

Stalled Negotiations and a Looming Decision

Sources close to Netanyahu suggest that the decision for a full occupation of Gaza has been "decided," and that military operations are expected in the areas where hostages are held. These sources also added that any opposition from the Chief of Staff could lead to his resignation. Conversely, other sources told the Maariv newspaper that Netanyahu has not yet made a final decision, noting that negotiations remain deadlocked with both sides clinging to their conditions, leaving the door open to multiple scenarios.