Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he had ordered the Israeli military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70 percent, a move that clashes with terms of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework and prompted public pushback from U.S. officials, according to multiple news reports.
Netanyahu made the announcement at a conference in the occupied West Bank, saying Israel already controls roughly 60 percent of Gaza and that his directive was to “move to 70,” footage aired by Israel’s Channel 12 showed. Reuters and Israeli media reported that Israeli forces have already extended their presence to about 64 percent of Gaza, moving beyond the delineation in the October 2025 ceasefire agreement.
Verified core reporting
- Netanyahu’s statement: Video footage of the West Bank event broadcast by Israel’s Channel 12 captured Netanyahu saying the military should expand its control to 70 percent. Reuters and Israeli outlets carried the quote and reported the prime minister’s intent.
- Ceasefire framework: Under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire reached in October 2025, Israel’s military presence was to cover 53 percent of Gaza initially, with phased withdrawals envisioned in later stages, Reuters reported. Israeli movements beyond that “yellow line” have been documented by multiple outlets.
- U.S. response: Senior U.S. officials publicly signaled concern. During congressional testimony, Secretary of State Marco Rubio — as reported by Anadolu Agency and corroborated in subsequent coverage — said Netanyahu’s announced plan conflicted with U.S. expectations under the ceasefire framework. U.S. officials described the remarks as a clear expression of disagreement between Washington and Jerusalem.
- Hamas response: Hamas described the announcement as a “dangerous escalation” and accused Israel of pursuing policies that could force displacement, according to statements reported by Al Jazeera and other regional outlets.
- Diplomatic mediation: Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and other mediators have been engaged in efforts to preserve the ceasefire and restart negotiations, with Egypt convening emergency discussions involving senior Hamas representatives, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported.
Broader context
The ceasefire established in October 2025 aimed to halt two years of conflict that, according to widely cited casualty estimates, resulted in significant civilian losses and displacement in Gaza. The agreement set geographic and security parameters for Israeli forces and outlined phased steps for humanitarian access and political talks. Continued changes to Israeli territorial control risk undermining the phased mechanics of that framework and complicate ongoing indirect talks between Israel and Hamas.
Ceasefire talks have stalled in recent weeks. Mediators were preparing to resume disarmament and implementation discussions in Egypt, but Hamas has publicly rejected parts of the U.S.-led Board of Peace disarmament proposal, saying Israel must first meet its obligations under phase one of the ceasefire, including humanitarian commitments, according to Reuters and regional reporting.
Multiple perspectives
- Israeli government: Netanyahu framed the directive as a security measure; Israeli officials have emphasized military objectives and cited operational needs in statements reported by domestic outlets. Israeli security officials have previously defended expansions of operational control as necessary to target armed groups and secure population centers.
- U.S. officials: U.S. diplomats and senior officials have publicly urged adherence to the October 2025 framework and expressed concern over unilateral territorial adjustments that could derail phased implementation. The U.S. has played a central role as guarantor and mediator for the ceasefire.
- Palestinian representatives: Hamas condemned the expansion order and warned of escalation and displacement risks. Palestinian Authority and other Palestinian leaders have warned that further Israeli advances could inflame tensions and hamper humanitarian assistance.
- Regional mediators: Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have pressed both sides to preserve the agreement and resume implementation steps. Egypt summoned Hamas delegates for urgent talks and has coordinated with international mediators to prevent a breakdown in negotiations.
Implications and significance
- Diplomatic: Expanding Israeli control beyond the ceasefire delineation threatens to erode the negotiated phases that underpin international confidence in the truce, potentially prompting renewed diplomatic friction between Israel and the United States and complicating mediator efforts.
- Humanitarian: Additional territorial expansion can affect civilian access to aid, movement and shelter, increasing challenges for humanitarian agencies operating in Gaza, as documented by international relief organizations in prior reporting.
- Security: For Israel, greater territorial control may be presented as a measure to degrade armed capabilities in Gaza. For Palestinian factions and regional actors, such moves risk provoking reprisals or undermining incentives to pursue negotiated disarmament.
- Regional stability: Egypt and other regional mediators view containment of escalation as a priority to prevent spillover effects and wider regional instability.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s directive to push Israeli control in Gaza to 70 percent represents a material deviation from the October 2025 ceasefire parameters and has triggered concern from Washington and regional mediators. Negotiations aimed at implementing the ceasefire and negotiating disarmament have stalled, and diplomats convene in the coming days to assess whether the agreement can be preserved. The situation remains fluid and subject to competing official accounts.
Sources: Reuters, Channel 12 (Israel), Al Jazeera, Anadolu Agency — June 3, 2026
Content Disclaimer: This report covers developing events and includes claims or statements from multiple parties whose accounts may differ. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and multiple verified outlets for full context.
