Context:

Israel's security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to escalate the military campaign in Gaza, with the aim of increasing pressure on Hamas to release hostages and dismantle its infrastructure. This decision involves issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders to reservists and expanding territorial control in Gaza. However, there are concerns about whether this escalation will effectively change the ongoing conflict dynamics, which have persisted for over 18 months without achieving Israel's goals. The plan includes a humanitarian mechanism, but the blockade on Gaza has had catastrophic effects. Critics, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, question the strategy's effectiveness and potential risks to hostages, while families of hostages urge prioritization of securing their release over military expansion.

Dive Deeper:

• Israel's security cabinet has approved an escalation in the Gaza campaign, endorsing Prime Minister Netanyahu's strategy that involves increasing military force and issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders to reservists. The goal is to pressure Hamas to release hostages and dismantle its infrastructure.

• The expanded military operation plans to hold territories in Gaza indefinitely to prevent Hamas from reclaiming them. There is also a new humanitarian aid distribution mechanism, though aid has been blocked for over two months, resulting in catastrophic conditions.

• Concerns persist about whether the increased military force will alter the conflict dynamics, which have been ongoing for 18 months without achieving the destruction of Hamas or the release of all hostages. Critics argue that military force alone may not eliminate Hamas.

• The Trump administration has pushed for a new cease-fire, but disputes remain over conditions, such as Hamas disarming and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, which Hamas opposes. Some Israeli officials believe past military pressure led to partial hostage releases.

• There is skepticism about the effectiveness of the strategy, with opposition leader Yair Lapid highlighting the lack of clear goals and the potential risk to hostages. Families of hostages are urging the government to prioritize securing a deal for their release over military escalation.