Netanyahu says he has directed IDF to increase control of Gaza to 70%
Netanyahu Directs IDF to Expand Control in Gaza to 70%
Netanyahu says he has directed IDF – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined a new strategy for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), aiming to extend its authority over the Gaza Strip to 70% of the territory. During a speech at a recent conference, he stated, “We are currently squeezing Hamas; we now control 60 percent of the Strip’s territory – you know this. We were at 50, we moved to 60. My directive is to move to,” he said before pausing as a crowd member interjected, “100.” Netanyahu responded by emphasizing a gradual approach, suggesting, “Let’s go step by step. First of all, 70. Let’s start with that. We’re pressing them from all sides, we’ll deal with the remnants.”
Conflict Escalates Amid Ceasefire Disputes
Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered under former U.S. President Donald Trump in October 2025, Israel has intensified its military presence in Gaza. This move directly challenges the terms of the deal, which initially ceded control of approximately 53% of the territory to Hamas. Netanyahu’s decision reflects a broader push to assert dominance, even as talks between Israel and Hamas remain stagnant. The United Nations has acknowledged the reliability of figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which reported at least 738 Palestinian casualties since the ceasefire began.
“We pledged that Hamas will not rule Gaza civilly or militarily,” stated Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on social media. His remarks underscored Israel’s intent to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and leadership, a goal that has been central to the ongoing conflict. Katz also hinted at the implementation of a “voluntary emigration plan,” a policy supported by far-right National Security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have long advocated for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to make way for Jewish settlers.
The escalation of control has led to renewed attacks in the region. On Wednesday, an Israeli strike in Gaza City reportedly killed at least 10 individuals, including five children, according to local hospital reports. The target was identified as a key Hamas figure, with the military confirming the elimination of “two central Hamas terrorists” in the northern part of the Strip. Among the victims was Imad Asleem, a battalion commander, and his teenage daughter, Israa. This incident occurred just a day after the death of Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas’s military wing, who was killed alongside his wife and two sons in an earlier strike. Another woman was also reportedly struck down.
War Crime Concerns and Strategic Shifts
Analysts have raised concerns that the “voluntary emigration” plan could amount to forced displacement, potentially qualifying as a war crime. The policy, which has drawn support from Israel’s far-right factions, envisions the systematic relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to reduce Hamas’s influence. Under the Trump-led ceasefire agreement, the IDF had retreated to a designated demarcation line, known as the “yellow line,” leaving control of about 53% of the Strip to Hamas. However, Netanyahu’s directive signals a reversal of that compromise, with the military now advancing its territorial grip.
The conflict has also seen targeted strikes in Khan Younis, where an attack on a vehicle killed Ihab Khrizim, the head of Hamas’s funds transfer network, and Mohammed al-Habash, a commander in the group’s production headquarters. Al-Habash was linked to the manufacturing of weapons, furthering Israel’s aim to cripple Hamas’s operational capacity. These actions align with the 20-point peace proposal, which includes the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Yet, the plan has stalled, with neither side making significant progress in indirect negotiations.
Human Toll and Broader Impacts
Since the outbreak of the war in 2023, the toll on Gaza’s civilian population has been devastating. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that 72,742 Palestinians had been killed and 172,565 injured as of May 12, 2026. Of these fatalities, at least 21,283 were children. The destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of over 2.1 million residents have left the territory in ruins, highlighting the severity of the ongoing crisis.
Netanyahu’s statement comes amid a backdrop of persistent violence, with Israel continuing airstrikes even after the ceasefire agreement was signed. The agreement, intended to bring a temporary truce, has not halted hostilities, underscoring the deep divisions between the two sides. While Hamas has maintained its control over parts of Gaza, Israel’s military campaign has gradually eroded that position, pushing the conflict toward a new phase.
Historical Context and Continued Tensions
The 2023 Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 others hostage, sparked the current war and set the stage for the ceasefire negotiations. Under the Trump plan, the IDF was supposed to withdraw to the yellow line, but Netanyahu’s directive to increase control to 70% suggests a shift toward a more aggressive posture. This decision has drawn criticism from international observers, who argue that it undermines the ceasefire’s objectives and escalates the humanitarian crisis.
As the conflict continues, the balance of power in Gaza remains a focal point of contention. Netanyahu’s emphasis on incremental control highlights Israel’s strategic approach, aiming to pressure Hamas into submission while securing its military advantage. The expansion of Israeli control is seen as a step toward long-term dominance, with implications for the future of the region. Meanwhile, the ongoing strikes and targeted assassinations signal that the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, as both sides seek to assert their interests in the volatile territory.
The recent violence has not only intensified the humanitarian impact but also deepened the political stalemate. With the ceasefire agreement in question and the peace plan stalled, the situation in Gaza appears to be moving toward a new phase of conflict. Netanyahu’s directive to the IDF underscores Israel’s commitment to a hardline strategy, even as the international community watches closely for signs of a breakthrough.