Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing ahead with a controversial plan to send troops into Gaza City — the last major urban center outside Israeli control — in what he calls a decisive move to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages. “Our goal is not to occupy Gaza. Our goal is to free Gaza — free it from Hamas,” Netanyahu told foreign reporters, insisting the operation would be “fairly quick” to avoid a prolonged war of attrition.

The decision followed weeks of internal dispute. Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and other senior officers urged a slower encirclement and targeted strikes, warning of high civilian and soldier casualties. The plan ultimately approved — viewed as a compromise — will capture about 10% more territory, leaving Hamas confined to roughly 15% of the enclave, but it falls short of the full reoccupation Netanyahu and his far-right allies initially sought.

Public and political reactions in Israel are sharply divided. Hostage families plan a general strike, fearing military action will endanger the 20 captives believed alive. Far-right coalition members argue the plan does not go far enough. Meanwhile, retired military and intelligence chiefs have publicly urged Netanyahu to end the war.

Globally, the operation faces growing criticism over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Germany, historically a key Israeli ally, will halt military exports linked to Gaza operations. Aid agencies warn that a quarter of Gaza’s 2 million residents are on the brink of famine, despite a recent easing of aid restrictions. Anger escalated after an Israeli airstrike killed four Al Jazeera journalists on Sunday; the military alleged one was a Hamas operative, but rights groups decried the targeting of media workers.

Netanyahu, who has long clashed with Israel’s military brass, dismissed suggestions of capitulation to foreign or domestic pressure. “We are a country with an army, not an army with a country,” he said, insisting the Gaza City push offers the best chance to end the war.