Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population,” Netanyahu said in a recorded statement. “Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian population,

Netanyahu's far-right allies said the plan would lead to a permanent takeover of Gaza. The government is "choosing territory over hostages," Israel's Hostage Families Forum said, and going "against the will" of the Israeli people, over 70% of whom oppose a major Gaza operation and favor a peace-and-hostage deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet approves plans that may include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling aid.