An Israeli newspaper highlighted reports discussing the intentions of the occupying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to approve military plans aimed at completely occupying the Gaza Strip, with the goal of achieving war objectives, particularly regarding the elimination of Hamas. The newspaper "Maariv," in an article by military analyst Avi Ashkenazi, noted that the likelihood of this being implemented in the near future seems weak, as he explained that current indicators suggest that the Israeli army will discuss a plan that includes encircling Gaza City and the central camps, using intense fire and conducting ground raids on targeted areas.

Ashkenazi clarified that the plan prepared by the Southern Command and the Operations Division relies on having most of the army's forces in the center of the Gaza Strip, cutting off most of Hamas's strategic tunnel network that connects different areas of the Strip. He pointed out that the last tunnel destroyed was last week in Beit Hanoun, which connects the areas of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, in addition to the destruction of three strategic tunnels in the southern Strip, specifically in the areas of Khan Younis and Rafah.

He confirmed that the Israeli army's plans include launching a series of attacks on Hamas positions in the center of the Strip and Gaza City, where the Air Force will carry out most of the initial operations, while the 99th Division currently deployed in the center of the Strip will lead the raids. He emphasized that Chief of Staff Colonel Eyal Zamir opposes the complete occupation of the Strip at this stage and prefers a plan to impose a blockade and crush Hamas forces in Gaza City and the central camps, aiming to reduce the likelihood of harming the hostages and attacking forces.

The Israeli analyst quoted a military source stating that the goal is for army fighters to chase the terrorists, not to be chased by them, indicating the necessity of controlling the situation strategically to limit risks to both the forces and civilians. "Maariv" noted that Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, met with army leaders, and expressed his support for the army's plans to continue fighting, while refraining from stating "occupying Gaza," preferring to see the leadership of the security establishment.

In a statement issued by Katz's office, he confirmed that the minister formulated his position regarding the security and political steps that Israel must take to ensure the achievement of war objectives, and that he would convey it to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then to government ministers. He clarified that defeating Hamas in Gaza, while creating conditions for the return of the captives, are the main objectives of the war, and that Israel must take all necessary measures to achieve them.