Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has condemned the Security Cabinet’s approval of plans to seize control of Gaza City, calling the move “a catastrophe that will lead to many more catastrophes.”
In a post on X, Lapid said the decision was “completely contrary to the position of the military and the defense establishment” and failed to take into account the exhaustion of combat troops.
According to Lapid, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “dragged” into the decision by far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. He warned the operation could last for many months, result in the death of hostages, cause heavy Israeli military casualties, cost tens of billions to taxpayers, and trigger a diplomatic collapse.
Further Criticism from the Left
Yair Golan, leader of the left-wing Democratic Party of Israel, went further, stating the decision amounts to a death sentence for the hostages and would deepen the suffering of grieving families.
Military Warning Ignored
Before the cabinet vote, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had reportedly warned against a full-scale invasion of Gaza, according to three Israeli sources cited by CNN.
The decision follows reports that Israel is moving toward a full-scale occupation of Gaza, despite mounting internal and international concerns.
