High-ranking Israeli military officials reported to the Security Cabinet on Tuesday that the IDF has established control over approximately 67% to 70% of the Gaza Strip, according to two domestic sources.
In light of these developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a comprehensive map detailing the current positioning of Israeli forces.
Per the established hostage-release framework, the IDF was originally projected to maintain presence in roughly 53% of the Gaza Strip, localized along the designated “Yellow Line.”
However, following Hamas’s refusal to comply with disarmament requirements outlined in President Trump’s 20-point plan, and due to the persistent security threats posed by the group, the IDF has intensified its operations over recent months to secure territory beyond the initial Yellow Line.
“Our objective is to prevent them from rearming or launching attacks, while simultaneously neutralizing their senior leadership,” Netanyahu stated during a cabinet session last month.
Weeks ago, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued directives to the IDF to extend its operational control to cover 70% of the Gaza Strip.
“My strategic directive is to reach 70% control of the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu remarked during a conference in the Jordan Valley at the end of May.
When attendees called for full territorial control, Netanyahu advised a measured approach.
“We are currently at 60%. Let us proceed incrementally, targeting 70% first,” he noted.
“We will begin with that objective. We are tightening the perimeter from all directions, and then we will address the remaining areas.”
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