Netanyahu Accelerates Gaza City Invasion Plans Without Setting Date

Netanyahu Orders Acceleration of Gaza City Military Invasion — But Without Giving a Date

Jerusalem — August 20, 2025.

In August 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moved to escalate the Gaza conflict by reportedly ordering an advance—or acceleration—of a planned ground invasion into Gaza City. Despite this aggressive posture, Netanyahu refrained from providing a specific timetable for the offensive. The decision has triggered both domestic and international backlash, raising grave humanitarian, military, and political concerns.

Background: A War Without End

The war between Israel and Hamas ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a brutal attack on southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and abducting approximately 250 hostages. Israel’s counteroffensive has since targeted Gaza relentlessly, resulting in devastating civilian casualties and destruction. Over the course of the conflict, Gaza City has endured repeated bombing and partial incursions, with current estimates suggesting that Israel already controls between 70% and 75% of Gaza territory.

The Cabinet Decision: Moving Toward Full Control

On August 8, 2025, Israel’s Security Cabinet endorsed a plan to extend Israeli military control into Gaza City. The strategy includes disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, evacuating civilians, and establishing a civilian administration outside the influence of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Although the operation is not immediately scheduled, the government appears to be preparing for a ground incursion that may coincide with the October 7 anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attack.