Netanyahu’s Expansion of the War is a Monumental Mistake

May 5, 2025 - The Israeli government approved a new war plan yesterday to expand military operations in Gaza. Instead of looking for a way to end the bloodshed, this plan escalates a war that has proved disastrous. 

We are particularly concerned that this new plan seeks to perpetuate the war and relocate Gazans in order for Israel to take over territory in the Gaza Strip. Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly said today that Israel will be “occupying Gaza to stay – no more entering and exiting.” He described the cabinet decision as one in which Israel is “capturing territory and staying there,” adding that Israel will not retreat from territory in Gaza, "not even for a hostage deal."

Humanitarian organizations have also rightfully drawn attention to the new mechanism for the distribution of food and other humanitarian supplies. A small number of distribution centers where Gazans could go and pick up a limited quantity of supplies are to be established. Media reports indicate that Israel intends to provide "the exact amount needed and not an ounce more." 

The UN and all aid organizations operating in Gaza – who had been briefed by Israeli officials – put out a joint statement leveling harsh criticisms, including that the plan “appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic – as part of a military strategy.” 

“Once again, we are seeing the Israeli government thumb its nose at international law and turn its back on the lives of the hostages in order to further an expansionist agenda,” said Hadar Susskind, President and CEO of New Jewish Narrative. “This is a monumentally bad direction for Israel to go.”