Israel now controls up to 70% of Gaza, Security Cabinet told amid expanded IDF offensive

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Senior Israeli military officials told the Security Cabinet on Tuesday that the IDF now controls between 67% and 70% of the Gaza Strip, according to two Israeli sources cited by the Jerusalem Post. The briefing reflects an expansion of Israeli control beyond the roughly 53% of the enclave that the IDF was expected to hold under the hostage-release agreement, along what became known as the Yellow Line.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly requested a detailed map of Israeli forces' deployment in response to the briefing, had earlier instructed the IDF to expand its control to 70% of the Gaza Strip. Defense Minister Israel Katz has publicly stated that Israel controls more than 60% of the territory and intends to reach 70%. The figures differ between accounts: the Security Cabinet briefing cited 67–70%, while Katz cited "more than 60%" in a television interview, as reported by TASS.

Coverage comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported that two Israeli sources told the outlet that senior military officials briefed the Security Cabinet that the IDF controls between 67% and 70% of the Gaza Strip. The same outlet quoted IDF Central Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth saying that "more than 60% of the Strip is in our hands," and that Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out a terror infiltration like the October 7, 2023 attack. The Post also cited Netanyahu's directive, made public at a conference in the Jordan Valley at the end of May, to move to 70% control: "My directive is to move to 70% control of the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu said. "We're at 60% right now. Let's do this step by step, first 70%."

TASS, quoting Defense Minister Israel Katz in an interview with the C14 television channel, reported that Katz said Israel holds "very strong positions" in Gaza and controls more than 60% of the territory, with a goal of reaching 70%. Katz also described a change in Israeli combat methods: "We evacuate the population, attack with full force, occupy territory, stay there and destroy both underground infrastructure and above-ground facilities." TASS also reported that Katz, together with Netanyahu, "does not intend to yield positions or retreat from the three security zones in Syria, the Gaza Strip and Lebanon," and that the US is insisting on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from those areas, according to Israel's Channel 13 television.

Key Claims

• IDF control of Gaza: Senior Israeli military officials told the Security Cabinet that the IDF controls between 67% and 70% of the Gaza Strip, per two Israeli sources cited by the Jerusalem Post. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel controls more than 60% and aims for 70%.

• Netanyahu's directive: Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to expand its control to 70% of the Gaza Strip, as reported by the Jerusalem Post and confirmed by Katz's statement to C14.

• Hamas disarmament: The Jerusalem Post reported that the IDF expanded operations beyond the Yellow Line after Hamas refused to disarm as required under President Trump's 20-point plan.

• Hamas capabilities: IDF Central Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth said Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out a terror infiltration like October 7, 2023, though "Hamas still rules, and the murderous organization retains residual capabilities."

• US demand for withdrawal: TASS reported, citing Israel's Channel 13 television, that the US is insisting on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria, and that Netanyahu intends to refuse Washington's demand.

Perspectives

Israeli government: Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz frame the expansion of control as a necessary step following Hamas's refusal to disarm and argue that Israel will not retreat from security zones. Katz said Trump "understands this." The IDF's Bluth said the threat of a large-scale infiltration has been eliminated, though Hamas retains residual capabilities.

US administration: According to Israel's Channel 13 television, as cited by TASS, the US has made clear it is interested in a "series of withdrawals" of Israeli troops from Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Netanyahu reportedly informed ministers that he intends to refuse this demand.