Haaretz: Netanyahu Proposes Gaza Annexation Plan Backed by Trump
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to present a new plan to annex parts of Gaza Strip, according to senior officials cited by Haaretz. The move aims to keep far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in the coalition, following tensions over a recent humanitarian pause in Gaza.
The proposed plan will begin with annexing the buffer zone, then expand to include northern Gaza, and eventually extend to the entire Strip, Haaretz reported.
The plan reportedly has green light from US President Donald Trump’s administration. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer presented the plan to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who conveyed White House support, according to the report.
Netanyahu is said to have reluctantly accepted the idea after initially opposing broader humanitarian aid to Gaza. But now, facing pressure from far-right allies, he appears willing to pursue annexation to save his fragile government.
Earlier today, Israel’s Channel 13 reported that the Israeli military will also present a plan to the security cabinet to take control of 90% to 100% of Gaza. In May, multiple leaks revealed that the government had already approved a full military occupation plan for the Strip.
Channel 12 confirmed that the plan includes occupying Gaza and expelling native Palestinians from northern to southern areas. A senior official in Netanyahu’s office told the outlet that this strategy has full cabinet approval.
Reuters previously quoted an Israeli source saying the operation could expand to include full control over Gaza.
Finance Minister Smotrich, who heads the Religious Zionism Party, has consistently demanded permanent Israeli control over Gaza. On May 5, he declared that Israel would not withdraw after occupying the Strip. He has publicly called for the total destruction of Gaza cities, saying:
“No half-measures. Rafah, Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat, total destruction. No room for interpretation.”
On Sunday, Israeli media reported that Smotrich is furious over Netanyahu’s decision to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Sources close to him said he is considering leaving the government, fueling internal coalition tensions.
