Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed partial annexation of the Gaza Strip as a potential course of action if hostage deal talks fail, during a Monday small cabinet meeting – an Israeli source confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.
“It was raised as a serious matter and was debated,” the source said.
This comes after a source told the Post on Monday that Israel will have “no choice” but to expand its military operation in some capacity if hostage talks stall.
In addition, IDF sources confirmed to the Post that senior military officials were kept out of the meetings and were not consulted.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Office added that it would not comment on internal cabinet discussions.
The Post contacted multiple sources within the Justice Ministry with authority related to the issue, but has not received a response.
According to an Israeli source, the prime minister is currently waiting for two things: the possibility that Hamas may still show flexibility in the hostage negotiations and the upcoming meetings in Washington – where Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi are expected to hold talks with senior Trump administration officials about the war in Gaza.
The official added that he expects the security cabinet to convene this week to further discuss the situation.
PMO acknowledges 'difficult' humanitarian situation in Gaza
The Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged the “difficult” humanitarian situation in Gaza, noting that it would continue to work with humanitarian groups to facilitate aid distribution in a Monday statement.
“We already allow significant amounts of humanitarian aid into Gaza every single day, including food, water, and medicine,” the statement read.
Israeli left-wing human rights organization B’Tselem accused the Israeli government of executing a “coordinated action to intentionally destroy Palestinian society in the Gaza Strip,” characterizing it as a developing “genocidal regime,” in a new report on Monday.