Speaking after the security cabinet approved a plan for the IDF to take control of Gaza City, Netanyahu said the goal is to “free Gaza from Hamas” and establish an alternative civilian administration.
August 9, 2025: The Israeli security cabinet has agreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s plan for the military to “take control” of Gaza City. The five-point plan for the change came almost two years after Hamas attacked on October 7, 2023, and in the middle of talks that weren’t going anywhere.
The Prime Minister’s office made it clear that the purpose is not to “occupy” Gaza but to “free” it from Hamas and set up a new, peaceful government. Everyone has agreed to observe these rules to stop the fighting:
Disarming Hamas means taking away their weapons.
Return of hostages: Letting go of everyone who is still being held in Gaza, whether they are living or dead.
The Gaza Strip has been demilitarized, hence there are no guns there.
Israeli Security Control: Keeping Israeli security in charge of the area to stop more attacks.
New Administration: Making a civilian government that isn’t Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Netanyahu reminded German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that the goal is to give Arab leaders more power and sustain the peace for a long time. The security cabinet turned down another alternative because they didn’t think it would help defeat Hamas or get the other 50 hostages back.
The US, Egypt, and Qatar are all trying to get Hamas to agree to a cease-fire again.