Israeli Security Cabinet Clash: Netanyahu Faces Opposition over Gaza City Seizure and Palestinian Statehood Recognition

The Israeli security council held a meeting on Sunday to discuss strategies for asserting control over Gaza City, amidst escalating international scrutiny and unparalleled domestic opposition, including from within Israel’s own security circles.

This gathering serves as a formal update for the entire council, following the earlier approval of the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. However, it comes at a critical juncture in both domestic and foreign affairs.

In addition to the impending military operations, Netanyahu and his cabinet, comprising senior figures such as Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, are expected to deliberate on a diplomatic response to the anticipated wave of recognition for Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

Sources within Israel suggest that Netanyahu is contemplating a range of measures concerning the West Bank, including full annexation, partial annexation, and sanctions against the Palestinian Authority. Implementing any form of annexation in the occupied West Bank would contravene multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and precipitate a substantial diplomatic backlash. However, this is exactly what Netanyahu’s coalition partners on the far-right are advocating for.

Despite the looming military operations in Gaza City, there is growing pressure to pursue a diplomatic resolution to bring an end to the nearly two-year conflict. The Israeli military has conducted intensive strikes around Gaza City in recent days, in preparation for the potential takeover and occupation of the city itself.

According to figures from Gaza hospitals, at least 47 people were killed in Gaza City on Saturday, with an additional 24 deaths reported since Sunday morning. Hamas continues to maintain a presence in Gaza despite ongoing fighting, with Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida among the casualties, according to Defense Minister Katz.

“Soon, as the campaign in Gaza intensifies, many more of his Hamas associates – the murderers and rapists of Hamas – will join him,” Katz added.

The conflict comes amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the Palestinian health ministry reporting seven additional deaths due to malnutrition on Sunday, bringing the total number to 339.

The most significant opposition to Israel’s takeover of Gaza City originates from the country’s security establishment, spearheaded by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Zamir has warned Netanyahu and his cabinet that the Gaza City offensive could endanger hostages, put soldiers’ lives at risk, and exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

Two Israeli sources informed CNN that Zamir’s primary concern is the fate of the hostages, and he is expected to urge the cabinet to discuss negotiations on the latest ceasefire proposal before escalating the conflict. This stance is reportedly endorsed by most heads of other security agencies as well.

Earlier this month, Hamas accepted a 60-day temporary ceasefire offer mediated by Qatar and Egypt. In exchange for the release of ten living hostages, Palestinians would see a mass release of prisoners based on a proposal initially presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff in July, coordinated with Israel.

However, Netanyahu, in consultation with the White House, has since shifted strategy. After insisting for months on negotiating only phased and partial frameworks, he now claims willingness to discuss only a comprehensive deal that would result in the release of all hostages and an end to the conflict on Israel’s terms and conditions.

As a result, Israel has yet to respond to Hamas’s acceptance of the Qatari-Egyptian proposal, which was made on August 18th. According to two senior Israeli officials, Netanyahu does not intend to bring up negotiations during Sunday’s cabinet meeting, although the issue may surface during the presentation on Gaza City. The fact that the deal is not formally on the agenda indicates its low priority for Netanyahu.