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Israel’s far-right is urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to intensify efforts against Hamas ahead of a UN Security Council meeting scheduled for Sunday regarding his intentions to capture Gaza City.
As the war in Gaza enters its twenty-second month, Israel is experiencing a significant divide, with some advocating for an end to hostilities and a resolution for the hostages’ release, while others are determined to eradicate Hamas completely.
The discourse has heightened following the announcement from Netanyahu’s security cabinet on Friday regarding plans to broaden the conflict and seize control of Gaza City.
While thousands rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday night to protest the cabinet’s decision, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich shared a video online criticising Netanyahu’s approach to Gaza as insufficient.
The far-right members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, including Smotrich, have wielded significant power within the premier’s coalition government during the war, with their backing deemed essential for maintaining at least a 61-seat majority in the parliament.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, also from the far right, stated on Kan radio on Sunday, “Victory is achievable. I want full control of Gaza, including resettlement and colonization. This strategy will not jeopardize our troops.”
In Tel Aviv, protesters displayed images of hostages still in Gaza, urging the government to ensure their safe return. Amid the ongoing tensions in Israel, the cabinet’s decision to escalate the war in Gaza has sparked a wave of criticism from around the world.
On Sunday, the UN Security Council is expected to convene to deliberate on the recent developments.
International entities, including some of Israel’s allies, have been advocating for a negotiated ceasefire to facilitate the return of hostages and mitigate the humanitarian crisis in the region, following alarming warnings about an imminent famine.
Despite the backlash and speculation of disagreement among top Israeli military officials, Netanyahu has remained resolute.
Throughout the war, the prime minister has faced continuous protests, with many demonstrations demanding that the government pursue a deal, as previous truces have involved the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention.
Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s attack in 2023, 49 continue to be held in Gaza, including 27 that the military asserts are deceased.
Israel’s military actions have resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the health ministry in Gaza, a number the United Nations considers credible.
