Escalation in Gaza: Israeli Minister Pushes for Full Control
Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, announced on August 10, 2025, that a controversial plan to “conquer the city of Gaza and evacuate more than a million residents” is advancing, attributing progress to his insistence on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This declaration signals a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict, marking a critical juncture in Israeli policy regarding Gaza, reports 24brussels.
Ben Gvir, known for his far-right stance, expressed in an interview with Israeli public broadcaster Kan his aspirations for complete control over Gaza. “Victory is possible. I want all of Gaza. I want to promote migration and settlements,” he stated, advocating for the reinstatement of settlements dismantled in 2005 that once housed around 8,000 settlers.
On Friday, the Israeli security cabinet approved the operational plan despite internal dissent, particularly from Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who raised concerns about the plan’s feasibility and the high potential for increased casualties among Israeli soldiers, many of whom are reportedly fatigued after nearly two years of conflict.
Ben Gvir dismissed these concerns, asserting that the military would not require additional troops for the operation. His comments reflect a growing rift within the Israeli government between those advocating for aggressive military actions and those cautioning against the potential human cost.
In a further demonstration of the divisive atmosphere, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, another member of the extremist faction, criticized Netanyahu for not pursuing a definitive victory over Hamas, claiming the Prime Minister’s approach is merely intended to force negotiations rather than exert control over Gaza.
Since the last escalation of conflict on October 7, 2023, Israeli actions in Gaza have drawn international condemnation, with allegations of systematic violence against civilians, particularly targeting women and children. The United Nations has raised alarms about the humanitarian crisis in the region, with UNRWA highlighting the dire situation where civilians face starvation and violence while seeking essential resources.
These developments underscore a significant turning point in the Israeli government’s approach to Gaza, as internal tensions grow amidst an international outcry for humanitarian intervention and accountability. The situation is rapidly evolving, with lasting implications for regional stability and human rights.
