World AffairsAl JazeeraThu, May 28, 2026, 11:48 PMNegative

Netanyahu orders Israeli army to seize 70 percent of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli army to seize control of 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, a significant escalation that undermines existing ceasefire agreements and raises concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. This directive follows a period of increased military activity and airstrikes in Gaza.

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli army to seize control of 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, a significant escalation that undermines existing ceasefire agreements and raises concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. This directive follows a period of increased military activity and airstrikes in Gaza.

  • Why It Matters

    This decision is pivotal as it reflects Netanyahu's approach to security and military strategy, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts with Hamas and other militant groups. It also highlights the internal pressures facing his government amid calls for military reforms and coalition stability.

  • The Bigger Picture

    The move to expand military control in Gaza is part of a broader pattern of escalating tensions in the region, including recent military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and controversial statements from Israeli officials. This situation underscores the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the potential for further violence, as well as the implications for international diplomatic efforts in the region.

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8 reports across the wire

Al Jazeera
May 28

Israel’s Netanyahu directs army to seize 70 percent of Gaza Strip

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israeli army to seize control of 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, a move that escalates military operations and undermines existing ceasefire agreements. This directive follows a recent increase in Israeli military presence and control in Gaza, which has already expanded by 11 percent beyond the 'Yellow Line'.

World Affairsnegative
The Guardian
May 28

Netanyahu orders Israeli army to seize ‘70% of Gaza Strip’, violating ceasefire deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli army to seize control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, a move that threatens to violate the existing ceasefire agreement and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. This directive follows a period of increased military activity and airstrikes in Gaza, raising concerns about further escalation of conflict.

World Affairsnegative
Al Jazeera
May 18

Netanyahu says Israel controls 60 percent of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel currently controls 60 percent of Gaza, indicating a significant military presence in the region. This statement reflects ongoing military operations aimed at consolidating control following recent escalations in violence.

World Affairsneutral
NPR
May 21

Netanyahu scolds Israeli security minister for videos taunting flotilla activists

Israel's national security minister triggered a backlash after releasing videos taunting detained flotilla activists who tried to breach the blockade of Gaza, telling them they should be imprisoned.

World Affairsnegative
France 24
May 17

Most of the architects of October 7 attacks have been killed, says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is nearing the completion of its objective to eliminate the planners behind the October 7 attacks, following the recent airstrike that killed senior Hamas commander Ezzedine Al-Haddad. This operation is part of Israel's ongoing military campaign against Hamas leadership in Gaza.

World Affairspositive
NPR
May 12

Israel's government is expected to collapse over ultra-Orthodox military draft

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish party within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition has called for the dissolution of parliament, which poses a significant threat to the stability of his government. This move comes amid ongoing tensions regarding military draft policies affecting the ultra-Orthodox community.

World Affairsnegative
France 24
May 21

Ben Gvir's flotilla video: Netanyahu has 'lost control of the government'

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's far-right National Security Minister, has ignited global outrage by posting a video that shows approximately 430 detained activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, many appearing bound and kneeling, while he taunted them. This footage has prompted calls from Italy and Spain for the EU to sanction Ben-Gvir, highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding Israel's treatment of activists.

World Affairsnegative
France 24
May 26

Israel strikes Lebanese village and calls up more troops in the region

The Israeli army has issued new evacuation orders for ten villages in Southern Lebanon as it prepares for intensified military strikes against Hezbollah, amid ongoing exchanges of fire despite a fragile ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an escalation of military operations following recent attacks that have resulted in casualties, including at least eleven deaths in the village of Mashghara.

World Affairsnegative

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