Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to claim more land in Gaza should Hamas persist in holding hostages. Following a ceasefire of almost two months, the IDF reignited conflict in Gaza earlier this week after the release of 33 hostages.
In a statement, Katz declared, “Should the terrorist group Hamas persist in holding hostages, I have directed the IDF to take control of additional territories while ensuring the safe evacuation of civilians. This action aims to expand security perimeters around Gaza to safeguard Israeli communities and IDF personnel by establishing enduring Israeli authority over the land. With Hamas showing no signs of cooperation, the organization stands to lose more territory, which will be integrated into Israel.”
If Israel implements Katz’s proposal for a partial annexation, it would mark the most significant change in Gaza’s status quo in nearly two decades. In 2005, Israel withdrew from Gaza, even forcibly relocating Israeli citizens with IDF assistance. Subsequently, Hamas assumed power and has governed the region ever since.
IDF troops re-entered the Gaza Strip following the collapse of the ceasefire. (IDF)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday that President Donald Trump “fully supports Israel and the IDF in the actions that they’ve taken in recent days.” The president previously warned Hamas that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released.
“Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose war,” NSC Spokesman James Hewitt said on Thursday. “These terrorists bear total responsibility for this conflict and the resumption of hostilities. Every death would have and could have been avoided had Hamas accepted the ‘bridge’ proposal Special Envoy Witkoff offered last week.”
Palestinians continue to return to Beit Lahia, a city in northern Gaza that was devastated by Israeli attacks, through the rubble and damaged buildings on March 8, 2025, in Beit Lahia, Gaza. (Khalil Ramzi Alkahlut/Anadolu via Getty Images)
While fighting the war against Gaza, Israel is also experiencing internal turmoil. On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that a vote to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s version of the FBI, had passed. Current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar will serve in the role until April 10, but that could change depending on when a replacement for him is found.
Netanyahu claimed he could not trust Bar, according to a statement from his spokesperson cited by Axios. In a letter distributed by the Shin Bet, Bar dismissed the claim and said the motives behind his firing were baseless. On Friday, Israel’s Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction preventing Bar’s dismissal, which will remain in place until the court can hear petitions against the dismissal.
