Occupation

Annexation, Gaza, and the UNGA: Israel faces a month of fateful choices

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: From annexation maps to Gaza operations, September could prove a turning point for Israel as the UN, Europe, and Arab states raise the stakes.

THIS MONTH is shaping up to be more consequential than most for the Jewish state, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is calibrating not only what steps Israel might take, but when to take them.
IDF SOLDIERS gather on the Israeli side of the Gaza border last week. A proper assessment of the consequences of occupying Gaza requires a comprehensive analysis of the security, political, social, and economic dimensions, say the writers.

Occupying Gaza comes with economic consequences - opinion

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Eyal Zamir (C), Southern Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor (R), and Gaza Division Chief Brig.-Gen. Barak Hiram (L), in the Gaza Strip, August 27, 2025.

IDF Chief Zamir calls on 'everyone' to enlist, 'contribute their share equally'

Hamas terrorists carrying clubs and firearms secure humanitarian aid trucks in the northern Gaza area of Jabaliya on June 25, 2025.

Media's Gaza reports should focus more on Hamas abuses than wider humanitarian picture - editorial


Gaza ceasefire talks mirror Witkoff plan, but deadlock persists over hostages, Gaza Strip control

Talks in Cairo and Doha revive ceasefire hopes, but Israel focuses on hostages and security, while Palestinians stress political unity.

An illustrative photo of Hamas terrorists with hostage demonstrations in the background.

As Netanyahu decides between war and a deal, IDF prepares for Gaza City invasion - analysis

It is still far from clear when and if Netanyahu will finally give the order to move the operation forward on a large scale.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu oversees the IDF strikes on Yemen's Sanaa, August 24, 2025

Egypt to reinforce military forces along Gaza border, Arab media reports

This includes approximately 40,000 soldiers, air defense systems, and tanks being deployed to the area, according to the report.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid line up near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt, August 13, 2025.

Continuing to let Hamas terrorists flee from their Gaza positions is no longer an option - analysis

The IDF's plans to invade Gaza City are not about reservist numbers, but whether the IDF can prevent Hamas from fleeing again, hidden among civilians.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir visits troops in Gaza, planning for Gaza City invasion, August 21, 2025.

Two Israelis attacked in the Netherlands, False reports of terror cause chaos at Jerusalem shuk

Netanyahu approves Gaza City takeover • Arab-Israeli citizen returns to Israel after imprisonment in Lebanese jail • Lebanon begins disarming Palestinian factions

 The Israeli police pointing towards the inside of a car.

Palestinian terrorists considering moving hostages to Gaza City to deter IDF offensive - report

Saudi-owned, London-based outlet Asharq al-Awsat's report is based on sources from the terrorist groups.

A Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist during a hostage release ceremony in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, January 30, 2025; illustrative.

IDF operates on outskirts of Gaza City ahead of occupation plans

The Israeli Air Force is also operating in the area in coordination with the troops in the field, striking military targets and terrorists, the military added.

IDF soldiers operate in Beit Hanun.

Israel isolated: Growing international criticism puts Jewish state in solo position - analysis

Former Ambassador of Israel to Cyprus: Allies may be less willing "to put themselves on the line for Israel."

United Nations Security Council holds a session following Israel's security cabinet's decision to take control of Gaza City, August 10, 2025.

Gaza fault line: Netanyahu's plan threatens to rip Israel apart - editorial

Without a unifying vision that addresses both security and conscience, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Gaza plan risks becoming not a path forward, but rather a fault line.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discusses principles for ending the war in a press confernce with foreign media in Jerusalem, August 10, 2025.

Netanyahu outlines Israeli plan to oust Hamas, establish civil rule in Gaza

The prime minister said that discussions are underway to develop "creative ways" to free the remaining hostages in Gaza while the military closes in on Hamas. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to international media on the Gaza war, in Jerusalem, August 10, 2025

Geert Wilders tells Netanyahu 'millions of people in Europe support him' during phone call

The support from "millions" of Europeans comes despite "criticism from weak politicians and biased media," right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.

Geert Wilders in The Hague, Netherlands, June 3, 2025; illustrative.