Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene his security cabinet this week to determine Israel's next moves in Gaza, following the collapse of indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas. A senior Israeli source hinted that escalating military operations could be one of the options considered. Last Saturday, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, during his visit to Israel, mentioned working with Israeli leaders on a plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. However, Israeli officials have also proposed alternatives, such as intensifying the military campaign and potentially annexing parts of Gaza.

The recent ceasefire negotiations in Doha were intended to secure a U.S.-backed 60-day truce, during which humanitarian aid would be delivered to Gaza, and half of the hostages held by Hamas would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Following Netanyahu's meeting with Witkoff last Thursday, an Israeli official stated that Israel and Washington were leaning towards a broader agreement, aiming for the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the demilitarization of Gaza — key Israeli demands to conclude the war.

A source close to the matter told Reuters that Witkoff's visit was regarded as highly significant within Israeli circles. Nevertheless, later on Sunday, an Israeli official remarked that pursuing a ceasefire deal appeared futile, signaling a potential shift toward increased military pressure. "It’s becoming clear that Hamas isn’t interested in a deal, prompting the prime minister to push for hostage rescues through military force," the official said. On Monday, Israel's Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu was considering broadening military operations to seize full control over Gaza. Within Israeli leadership, the exact implications of "military defeat" of Hamas remain a topic of debate. Some officials have proposed annexing parts of Gaza to apply pressure on the militant group.

Meanwhile, far-right ministers like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir advocate for imposing military rule in Gaza as a precursor to annexation and the revival of Jewish settlements dismantled two decades ago. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), however, have been resistant to these annexation ideas throughout the conflict. Defense sources mentioned that the military is expected to present alternative strategies, which include operations in parts of Gaza that have yet to be targeted.

While political leaders push for a broader offensive, military officials are concerned that such actions could jeopardize the lives of the remaining 20 hostages held by Hamas. Israel Army Radio reported on Monday that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is increasingly frustrated with what he perceives as a lack of strategic direction from the political leadership, warning against a prolonged war of attrition with Hamas.

An IDF spokesperson declined to comment on these internal disputes but emphasized that the military has various operational plans. “We have different strategies to combat the terror organization, and that's the army’s focus,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nadav  Meanwhile, Qatar and Egypt on Tuesday backed a joint declaration by France and Saudi Arabia, which laid out steps towards a two-state solution. This proposal urged Hamas to disarm and transfer control of Gaza to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.

Although Hamas has firmly rejected disarmament, its officials have indicated to mediators a willingness to step down from governing Gaza in favor of a neutral, non-partisan administration. Hamas insists that any post-war governance of Gaza must be a Palestinian-led decision, free from foreign imposition. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar remarked on Monday that significant gaps remain between the conflicting sides. "We want all our hostages back and an end to the war. Diplomacy is always our preferred route, but the core issue is defining the conditions for ending this conflict," Saar told reporters in Jerusalem.