Benjamin Netanyahu Orders Major Gaza Expansion, IDF Aims to Control 70% of Territory

Kyiv: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu made a big statement during a conference in the West Bank on Friday. According to CNN, Netanyahu said that he has instructed the army to further increase control over the Gaza Strip. The target is for Israel to capture 70% of the Gaza area. Netanyahu said that the noose is being tightened on Hamas and currently Israel is controlling about 60% of Gaza.

What is Israel's strategy?

Netanyahu made it clear that the army will move forward step by step. He said, "We are now in 60% of Gaza. First we were at 50%, then we became 60%. My instructions are to gradually go to 70%." Earlier, the maps given by the IDF to aid agencies also showed Israeli control over about 64% of Gaza. If 70% is captured, then about 20 lakh Palestinians will be confined to smaller areas.

What is the controversy regarding ceasefire?

There was a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October 2025. Under him, Israeli forces had retreated to the "Yellow Line" and at that time Israel had control over about 53% of Gaza. But Hamas alleges that Israel is now pushing that line forward. Hamas called it a flagrant violation of the agreement. Hamas says that "advancing the line is an attempt to weaken the ceasefire. Its purpose is to strengthen military control over Gaza through force."

How is Israel's operation going in Gaza?

Israel is carrying out precise attacks targeting Hamas leadership. The IDF said it killed two "senior" Hamas operatives in northern Gaza on Thursday. On Tuesday, the IDF also killed Muhammad Odeh. Odeh was the new head of Hamas' military wing and one of the masterminds of the October 7 attack. Israeli PMO said that this operation took place on the instructions of PM Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. At present, the scope of war in Gaza seems to be increasing. The announcement of 70% occupation has dealt a blow to the hopes of ceasefire and deal.