Israeli Cabinet Approves Netanyahu's Gaza Takeover Plan in Push to Topple Hamas

Geopolitical Strategy & Security - Israel's security cabinet approved Prime Minister Netanyahu's plan to take full control of Gaza City, aiming to topple Hamas after 22 months of fighting [1] - Netanyahu intends to hand over Gaza's governance to Arab forces, establishing a security perimeter without Israeli governance [1][2] - The Israeli Prime Minister describes the operation as military, not an occupation, while Israel effectively controls around 70% of the Gaza Strip [2] - The operation is considered the beginning of the end of the war against Hamas, which has strained Israel's military and economy [3] - The war has caused unprecedented humanitarian distress in Gaza and tested the patience of Israel's allies [4] Public Opinion & Political Landscape - Polls indicate a majority of Israelis favor a negotiated deal to return hostages, even if it means leaving Hamas in power, contrasting with Netanyahu's stance [6] - Netanyahu dismisses poll findings, asserting Israelis don't understand the implications of leaving Hamas [7] - Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that the Israeli people don't want this war and will bear heavy costs for it [5] International Relations & Humanitarian Aid - There is increasing international pressure, particularly from European states, to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September [9] - The US appears to explicitly support Israel's operation, with Trump expressing being fed up with Hamas [10] - The US is increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, aiming to quadruple its output in concert with Israeli moves into the remaining 25% of the Gaza Strip [12] - Civilians evacuated from Gaza City will be tended to in new Jewish centers with staple foods, aiming to smooth over the rough patch of the war [13]