A Defining Moment for Israel and Global Relations
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has proposed a bold plan that involves the total reoccupation of the Gaza Strip. This strategy includes the mass evacuation of its population, an action that is described as a “takeover” which could severely undermine Israel’s internal democracy. The implications of this move are far-reaching, potentially placing Israel near the top of pariah nations. This decision marks a defining moment that could further strain relations between Europe and America, especially considering reports that Donald Trump was briefed on the Gaza plan in advance.
The Israeli military and intelligence community are aware that they are being led into a trap set by Hamas. However, these concerns are being overridden by Netanyahu’s directives. Hamas opposes any two-state solution that would create a Palestinian state alongside Israel, as it seeks the eradication of the Jewish state. The continued occupation of Gaza by Israel ensures that such a solution remains unattainable.
Netanyahu’s primary focus appears to be on the short-term tactical survival of his government, even if it means risking Israel’s long-term stability. He seems indifferent to the fact that the deployment of tanks into Gaza City—expected to be completed by 7 October—will mark the end of Israel’s claims to be a democracy. Moreover, the international condemnation following Netanyahu’s decision to pursue a “forever war” could lead to sanctions against Israel by the end of the year.
It is challenging to see how Israel can avoid generating significant outrage given the global decline in support for its actions in Gaza. Germany, which has been relatively supportive of Netanyahu and Israel’s policies, has taken steps to ban the sale of weapons that could be used in Gaza. This move could impact export licenses for military equipment worth €485 million ($564 million) granted between 7 October 2023 and 13 May 2025.
European economic sanctions and travel bans on Israelis are expected to follow as the killing of Gazans continues. Australia has also condemned Netanyahu’s decision, while South Africa is leading efforts to prosecute Israelis for alleged war crimes.
International Aid and Political Tensions
According to the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, the US provided Israel with $22.8 billion in military aid during the first year of its Gaza campaign. A November 2024 report by the US Council on Foreign Relations noted that Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign aid since its founding, receiving approximately $310 billion (adjusted for inflation) in total economic and military assistance.
In essence, Israel cannot proceed with its new plans in Gaza without American financial and military support. While the US currently appears willing to continue supplying both, there is a risk of domestic political turmoil. A July Gallup poll revealed that 60% of Americans now disapprove of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, and this figure was recorded before the latest escalation.
Despite the horror witnessed globally, the Trump administration has shown support for Israel. It is reported that the administration is planning to assist with the next phase of operations under the guise of “humanitarian” efforts to care for Gaza’s population.
Humanitarian Crisis and Allegations of Violence
The current US-Israeli initiative through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has faced severe criticism. Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) has condemned the GHF amid allegations of “orchestrated killings” by Israeli forces and US mercenaries. Raquel Ayora, MSF general director, has highlighted the extreme violence against unarmed civilians, describing the GHF distribution sites as a “laboratory of cruelty.”
The GHF has denied all allegations, calling them “false and disgraceful,” and accusing the Hamas-linked Gaza Health Ministry of orchestrating a disinformation campaign. However, the scale of the horrors in Gaza is undeniable, and Israel’s decision to escalate its military efforts will likely intensify the bloodshed and entrench its occupation.
As human beings are forced into increasingly concentrated camps, Israel’s drift toward authoritarianism becomes more pronounced. Netanyahu has already undermined the country’s judicial independence with legislation subordinating it to politicians. Recently, he fired the attorney general who was responsible for prosecuting him.
Military Struggles and Public Discontent
Israel will need to mobilize vast numbers of conscripts and reservists for a military operation that top officers believe is a dangerous and ill-conceived plan. IDF army chief of staff Eyal Zamir reportedly resorted to shouting in the security cabinet and warned that the reoccupation plan would result in the deaths of all hostages.
Reservists are increasingly refusing to fight in Gaza. Although Israel’s media often obscures the truth about what is happening in the enclave, the reality of the situation is beginning to filter back. Many soldiers are also exhausted by what now appears to be Netanyahu’s “forever war.”
Years of combat will be required before Israel can establish anything resembling “control” over Gaza. Tens of thousands of troops will be needed to run checkpoints and police whatever remains of the population there.
Despite these challenges, Netanyahu’s security cabinet agreed to the plan after an all-night session. During this meeting, Zamir also argued for a plan to encircle Hamas and release the remaining 20 or so hostages still alive after being captured 22 months ago.
A Plan for Permanent Occupation
Netanyahu’s plan is based on five principles: to disarm Hamas, save the hostages, demilitarize Gaza entirely, maintain Israeli security control over the entire enclave, and then impose a civilian administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority (which administers some of the Israeli-occupied West Bank).
The truth is that this is a plan to reoccupy Gaza permanently, mirroring the temporary occupation of the West Bank after the 1967 six-day war, which has lasted until today. The West Bank, where Palestinians have been encouraged to believe they would one day establish a state, has been divided into urban areas under the Palestinian Authority, which allows non-Jews limited self-government. The rest of the land is being developed with Jewish-only settlements, creating a system akin to grand apartheid as pioneered by South Africa’s white racist postwar governments.
Members of Netanyahu’s cabinet want to see Gaza permanently resettled by Israelis. At least a million of Gaza’s 2.1 million people will be forced to move in the first phase of this reoccupation campaign. This is a population that the UN says is already on the verge of famine.
Netanyahu assumes that American taxpayers are willing to fund this outcome.