Satellite images show Israel building up forces for a possible ground invasion of Gaza, sources say
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Israel Approves Netanyahu's Plan to Take Control of Gaza City
Above: Benjamin Netanyahu at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on July 8, 2025. Image copyright: Graeme Sloan/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
This is the necessary final push to eliminate Hamas and secure Israel's long-term safety. Military control of Gaza City will cut off Hamas' remaining strongholds and force the terrorist organization to surrender or face destruction. The plan includes humanitarian provisions for civilians and offers a clear path to victory after nearly two years of conflict.
Opposition narrative
The Gaza City takeover plan ignores military warnings and will endanger the remaining hostages. This plan is a humanitarian disaster that will lead to numerous further disasters, costing tens of billions and damaging diplomatic relations. Netanyahu plays directly into Hamas' strategy of trapping Israel in endless occupation.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Having flattened Gaza, displacing its population and claiming thousands of innocent lives in the process, Netanyahu has now made public his intention to lead Israel in a full takeover and occupation of the Strip. Not only is it clear that the IDF doesn't have the capacity to execute this plan, such an aggressive move would inevitably trigger further resistance and conflict — exactly what Israel wants in the region.