If Hamas does not agree to Israel’s proposed outline – including the release of 10 hostages in exchange for a 45-day ceasefire – the military operation in Gaza will be significantly expanded, the security cabinet decided on Sunday night.
“The security cabinet unanimously approved the operational plan presented by the chief of staff to defeat Hamas in Gaza and bring back the hostages,” a senior political source said after the meeting.
“The plan includes... seizing and holding territory in Gaza, moving the Gazan population southward for their protection, preventing Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid, and launching powerful strikes against Hamas – all actions that will help bring about its defeat.”
During the meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the plan is effective because it can achieve both primary objectives: defeating Hamas and returning the hostages.
“It differs from previous plans by shifting from targeted raids to seizing territory and maintaining control over it,” he added.
Israeli officials stated that the operation would begin only after US President Donald Trump completes his visit to the region next week. The American leader is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and, in a first in years, Qatar.
Israeli sources told The Jerusalem Post they believe Trump’s visit may bring some progress in negotiations toward a deal.
However, it remains unclear in Israel whether the ultimatum will lead Hamas to soften its positions.
No turning back once operation underway
On Monday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized that the cabinet had made a dramatic decision: there will be no withdrawal, even to secure the release of hostages.
“Once the maneuver begins, there will be no retreat from the territory we’ve taken – not even for hostages. The only way to free them is to defeat Hamas. Any withdrawal would bring the next October 7,” he said.
In practice, according to an Israeli source who spoke with the Post, Hamas has less than two weeks to agree to a deal.
The cabinet also approved the continuation of the blockade on Gaza and the prevention of humanitarian aid from entering. Only later, following the start of the military operation and the evacuation of a large portion of the population to the south, will a humanitarian plan be implemented.
This plan, presented by the IDF and approved by the cabinet, will distinguish between true recipients of humanitarian aid and Hamas by using civilian companies and securing designated areas with the IDF.
A sterile zone will be established in the Rafah area, beyond the Morag Corridor, where incoming individuals will be screened by the IDF to prevent Hamas operatives from entering, a security official explained.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was the only one who opposed the proposed humanitarian plan.
“I don’t understand why we need to give them humanitarian aid. They have enough food. We should bomb Hamas’s food reserves,” Ben-Gvir told other ministers.
Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir responded: “These ideas put us at risk.”
While cabinet ministers told the Post they were satisfied with the approved plans and that their full implementation would lead to real change on the ground, the opposition voiced several concerns.
“The cabinet approved the ‘conquest of the Strip’ tonight – yet no one knows what those words actually mean,” said opposition leader Yair Lapid.
Benny Gantz, head of the National Unity Party, added: “A month and a half ago, Netanyahu said we were ‘on the brink of total victory.’ Now, he’s talking again about a new plan that will ‘bring resolution.’ The public isn’t stupid, and it’s tired of empty slogans. It’s time to speak the truth.”