The decision to expand operations in the enclave went against the recommendations of the military.
International allies and families of hostages condemned Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take control of Gaza City, with the British prime minister calling it “wrong.”
Time and again, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has pledged to defeat Hamas by force. The decision to capture Gaza City repeats a strategy that has failed in the past.
The announcement appeared to stop short of saying explicitly that Israel would take full control of the Gaza Strip, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said was his intention earlier.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with a group of senior ministers on Thursday as the families of the hostages warn that moving into new areas could endanger the captives.
The Israeli government said it had allowed some private businesses to resume importing goods into Gaza, which has been gripped by severe hunger.
Six weeks after Benjamin Netanyahu scored a victory over Iran, the Israeli leader is now pushing for an “all or nothing” deal with Hamas. But he has not made the compromises needed to make it happen.
Israel’s leader is now pushing for an “all or nothing” deal with Hamas. He has not made the compromises needed to make it happen.
The apparent shift in tone comes as cease-fire negotiations have hit a wall and pressure is mounting on Israel over the hunger crisis in Gaza. But Israel and Hamas remain far apart on the terms of any deal.
Mr. Huckabee, a Baptist minister, is the first evangelical to serve as American ambassador to Israel. Christian conservatives and the Netanyahu government are pleased.