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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) should push for a full occupation of the besieged Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages are being held, according to multiple media reports. The prime minister’s office also reportedly told Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the army’s chief of staff, that if this does not suit him, he should resign.
Israeli media reported that the Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to make a formal decision on the matter. The prime minister said after the recent videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages were released that he would convene a Cabinet meeting to discuss how Israel can achieve its three main war goals: defeating Hamas, returning the hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat.
Netanyahu has faced opposition, including from within his own country, regarding increased IDF operations in Gaza. The last day saw Netanyahu tell ministers that he will seek the Cabinet’s backing for a plan to fully occupy Gaza despite pushback from within the IDF.
The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu told ministers in the last day that he would seek the Cabinet’s backing of a plan to fully occupy Gaza, even if it means operations in areas where hostages are being held. A senior official close to the prime minister reportedly added, “There will be operations even in areas where hostages are being held. If the IDF chief of staff doesn’t agree, he should resign.”
At Monday’s Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said, “We must continue to stand together and fight together to achieve all our war objectives: the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.”
The Cabinet is expected to meet on Tuesday to make a formal decision on expanding IDF operations in Gaza. Israeli officials have said that 251 people were taken hostage on October 7, with 50 remaining in Gaza, out of whom only 20 are believed to be alive.
This story was updated with additional information and context on August 4, 2025, at 2:40 p.m. ET. The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
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According to the news report, what decision did Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instruct the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to pursue regarding Gaza?
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