Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold a press conference with international media in Jerusalem at 4:30 pm local time, 13:30 GMT. The conference comes after his security cabinet’s contentious decision to expand Israel’s assault on Gaza and take control of Gaza City. Netanyahu’s government has faced criticism from both domestic and international leaders, warning that the move could endanger hostages and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The decision to expand the war in Gaza has sparked intense debate within Israel, with some citizens demanding an end to the conflict and a deal to free the remaining hostages, while others insist Hamas must be defeated entirely. Thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv to protest the government’s plan, with rally organizers and hostage families warning Netanyahu of severe consequences if hostages are harmed during the operation. “If you invade parts of Gaza and the hostages are murdered, we will pursue you in the town squares, in election campaigns and at every time and place,” Shahar Mor Zahiro, a relative of a slain hostage, cautioned.
The cabinet’s decision has drawn widespread condemnation from abroad, including from allies urging Israel to pursue a negotiated truce to free the hostages and ease Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Sunday to discuss the latest escalation. Humanitarian groups warn of famine taking hold in Gaza, where the health ministry reports at least 61,430 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.
Netanyahu has remained defiant in the face of criticism, stating, “We are not going to occupy Gaza — we are going to free Gaza from Hamas.” However, his far-right coalition partners have demanded a more decisive victory over Hamas. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the latest cabinet decision, calling it “half-hearted” and arguing that the prime minister and cabinet gave in to weakness. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir went further, telling Kan radio, “I want all of Gaza, transfer and colonization. This plan will not endanger the troops”.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a surprise military exercise, codenamed “Dawn,” to test the readiness of its general headquarters and key command centers. The drill aims to assess the army’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to large-scale attacks. The exercise comes as Israel presses ahead with plans to expand its military campaign in Gaza, including the capture of Gaza City.