With ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas hitting a significant deadlock, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be ready to support a “total conquest” of Gaza—an intense shift in language that indicates a possible pivotal moment in the conflict. As diplomacy breaks down and conflicts escalate, Netanyahu seems ready to undertake a more extensive military effort to completely eliminate Hamas’s operational abilities.
Based on information from government insiders and leaked cabinet conversations, Netanyahu is growing more frustrated with what he perceives as Hamas’s stubbornness amid the halted negotiations facilitated by Egypt and Qatar. After weeks of negotiation, both parties have been unable to find common ground on essential topics, such as the release of Israeli captives, a lasting ceasefire plan, and the future administration of Gaza.
In recent public remarks, Netanyahu has transitioned from measured hope regarding diplomacy to serious alerts about increased military pressure. He contends that only a total military triumph—what he refers to as the “full eradication of Hamas’s terror regime”—can ensure lasting safety for Israeli citizens. This position has elicited intense responses both at home and internationally, with opponents cautioning that a full-scale ground invasion could exacerbate the humanitarian situation and heighten regional conflicts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, takes a seat before his meeting with France’s Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, right, in Jerusalem Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. 5, 2024. (Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool via AP)
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated to disastrous proportions, with countless civilians forced to flee and essential infrastructure—hospitals, schools, water systems—either damaged or obliterated. Global aid organizations have expressed concern over the potential for a broader offensive, calling for moderation and a revival of diplomatic efforts. The European Union and United Nations have urged for a negotiated ceasefire, cautioning that a complete takeover would probably breach international humanitarian law and increase regional instability.
Relatives of Israeli hostages are voicing their worries as well. Many worry that an extensive military operation might jeopardize the lives of their relatives who remain in Gaza. They persist in advocating for diplomacy-first approaches, such as prisoner exchanges and humanitarian corridors.
In the meantime, Hamas has alerted that any effort for complete domination will encounter strong opposition, potentially involving Hezbollah and other regional players in the conflict. Rocket launches from Gaza persist, along with Israeli airstrikes in response, highlighting the delicate and unstable condition of the situation.
Should Netanyahu move forward with promoting complete military dominance over Gaza, the conflict may shift into a new and significantly more devastating stage. It is yet to be determined if his rhetoric will lead to action—but the price, in terms of both human impact and geopolitical consequences, could be substantial. As hopes for a ceasefire diminish, the likelihood of extended conflict grows significantly in the Middle East.
