Israel’s far right urges Netanyahu to intensify Gaza offensive ahead of UN talks

Tensions within Israel’s political leadership are mounting as far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition demand a more aggressive campaign against Hamas, just hours before a UN Security Council meeting on August 10 to discuss Netanyahu’s push to capture Gaza City.

The pressure follows the August 8 announcement by Netanyahu’s security cabinet of plans to expand military operations and seize Gaza City. The move sparked immediate backlash — not only from opponents of the war but also from hardliners within the government who view the strategy as insufficient, Caliber.Az reports, citing European media.

On the night of August 9 to 10, thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Tel Aviv to protest the cabinet’s decision, calling for an end to the conflict and a deal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded with sharp criticism of the prime minister’s approach. In a video posted online, Smotrich accused Netanyahu of showing weakness.

“The prime minister and the cabinet gave in to weakness. Emotion overcame reason, and they once again chose to do more of the same — launching a military operation whose goal is not decisive victory, but rather to apply limited pressure on Hamas in order to bring about a partial hostage deal,” Smotrich said.
“They decided once again to repeat the same approach, embarking on a military operation that does not aim for a decisive resolution.”

Nearly two years into the Gaza war, Israel remains deeply divided. On one side are those pressing for a negotiated end to the conflict, coupled with the return of hostages. On the other are voices — increasingly led by the far right — demanding a conclusive military victory that would dismantle Hamas once and for all.

By Khagan Isayev