In response to Hamas’ continued refusal to release hostages, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to seize more territory in Gaza. This follows the breakdown of a nearly two-month ceasefire earlier in the week, during which 33 hostages were released.

Katz stated that if Hamas does not release the hostages, he has directed the IDF to seize additional areas, evacuate the population, and expand security zones around Gaza. This would involve permanent Israeli control of the territory to protect Israeli communities and IDF soldiers. He added that Hamas will lose more territory to Israel if it continues to refuse.

If Katz’s threat is carried out, it would mark the most significant change to Gaza’s status quo in almost two decades. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, even using the IDF to remove Israelis from their homes. Hamas gained control of the region a year later and has governed it since then.

Katz also stated that Israel will continue Operation “Strength and Sword” with increased intensity until Hamas releases the hostages. He also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the proposal from U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, which aims to secure the release of all hostages, living and deceased, in two phases.

The Trump administration supports Israel’s military decisions, a contrast to the Biden administration’s approach, which, while offering military and diplomatic support, also urged Israel to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that President “fully supports Israel and the IDF in the actions that they’ve taken in recent days.” The president had previously warned Hamas of severe consequences if the hostages were not released.

NSC Spokesman James Hewitt stated that Hamas chose war over extending the ceasefire by releasing hostages. He added that Hamas bears full responsibility for the conflict’s resumption and that all deaths could have been avoided if Hamas had accepted Special Envoy Witkoff’s proposal.

While engaged in the conflict with Gaza, Israel is also experiencing internal political tension. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office announced that a vote to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, had passed. Ronen Bar, the current Shin Bet chief, will remain in his position until April 10, with the possibility of an earlier departure if a replacement is found.

Netanyahu claimed he could not trust Bar, according to his spokesperson. Bar refuted this claim in a letter distributed by the Shin Bet, stating that the reasons for his dismissal were unfounded. Israel’s Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction preventing Bar’s dismissal, pending a hearing on petitions against the decision.

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