According to Israeli media reports, the operation is slated to last approximately five months and involve around five IDF divisions. The plan also includes the massive relocation of an estimated one million residents from Gaza City southward. While cabinet ministers told the Post the plan is likely to be approved, they noted that "the real question is what version of the plan will ultimately be approved."
The proposal has created a significant rift between the political leadership and the military establishment. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has reportedly voiced strong opposition, calling the complete conquest a "mistake" that "will endanger the hostages." Military officials have cautioned that the operation could cost up to $5.8 billion, lead to dozens of Israeli casualties, and mire the army in a protracted guerrilla war, with one senior official warning Israel could knowingly enter a "Vietnam model." The IDF has instead recommended a prolonged siege, a strategy Netanyahu has dismissed, arguing that such tactics have failed to free hostages or defeat Hamas.
The United States has signaled it will not intervene in Israel's decision. President Donald Trump stated this week that a complete takeover of Gaza was "Israel's decision" to make. This stance was reportedly influenced by a recent Hamas propaganda video showing an emaciated hostage. However, the US is heavily involved in a parallel humanitarian effort. The plan reportedly includes a significant increase in aid distribution, coordinated with the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, to run concurrently with the military advance and help manage the newly displaced population.
The push for a renewed offensive follows the collapse of hostage negotiations, with Israel seeing Hamas's demands as impossible. The decision has sharply divided Israeli politicians. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has thrown his support behind the plan, stating, "What matters to me is victory and the destruction of Hamas." In contrast, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned the move, arguing, "The Israeli public does not want this war. We will pay too high a price for it." As the cabinet prepares to vote, Israel stands at a crossroads, weighing a high-risk military gamble against the dire warnings of its commanders.
Photo: The Jerusalem Post