The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump granted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu direct approval to carry out a violent military operation against the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), in a move that reflects an unprecedented escalation in the U.S. stance towards the sector.

The newspaper noted that political and security circles in Tel Aviv and Washington agree that Hamas does not show a genuine desire to reach a ceasefire deal and is continuing to escalate, which has led the occupation to consider broad military options.

While the security cabinet (the cabinet) has not held its meeting, despite the release of videos showing occupation soldiers captured by the resistance, close associates of Netanyahu confirmed that discussions are ongoing about continuing the military escalation, and that a decision has already been made for a complete occupation of the Gaza Strip and to resolve the battle with Hamas.

The newspaper quoted sources close to the Israeli Prime Minister that the recent statements may be part of a negotiating tactic aimed at pressuring Hamas and the resistance in the sector, in an attempt to force them to retreat or make concessions.

According to officials, the occupation army seeks to completely occupy the sector, focusing on areas where hostages are believed to be held, in an attempt to completely eliminate the armed resistance.

Information reveals that the occupation army has been unable during the ongoing war for more than a year and a half to determine the locations of its soldiers held captive by the resistance, and many attempts to free them have failed, complicating the field situation.

In a related context, officials indicated that there is opposition within the army to expanding operations in the sector, and that the crisis between the political and military levels is escalating, with the possibility that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir may have to consider resigning if things continue this way, as they said: If this is not suitable for the Chief of Staff, he should resign.