Israeli Minister: Goal of Gaza War Is Full Occupation, Not Hostage Recovery

Watan-Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar said on Monday that the goal of the Israeli government’s decision to expand the war on Gaza is the “complete occupation of the Strip.”

On Sunday night, the Israeli Security Cabinet (“kabinett”) approved a plan to intensify the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which includes not only occupying the territory but also remaining there long-term, while continuing to starve the population and block humanitarian aid, according to Israel’s public broadcaster.

Commenting on the Cabinet’s decision, Zohar, a member of the Likud Party, told the broadcaster:“The goal is the full occupation of the Gaza Strip.”

He acknowledged that such a move endangers the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza and does not serve their release.

Earlier today, the government announced an expansion of its ground invasion of Gaza to include full territorial occupation and control, following Cabinet approval Sunday evening.

The announcement of a widened assault triggered a wave of criticism from the families of Israeli hostages, who slammed the plan as the “Smotrich-Netanyahu plan,” claiming it abandons the hostages and undermines national security and unity.

In a statement, the families said:“The government has admitted that it has chosen land over the lives of the captives—against the will of more than 70% of the Israeli public.”

They added:“This decision will go down in history as a grave mistake that generations will mourn,” according to Israeli media.

Israel estimates that 59 Israeli captives remain in Gaza, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Meanwhile, more than 9,900 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, where they reportedly face torture, starvation, and medical neglect—conditions that have resulted in the deaths of many, according to human rights groups and both Palestinian and Israeli media.