Israeli cabinet meeting postponed as tensions rise over Netanyahu’s occupation plan

Officials said prime minister was planning offensive to fully occupy Gaza, but resistance reveals splits in government

Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. Picture: AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana

An Israeli security cabinet meeting, which had been expected to discuss Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for the “full occupation” of Gaza, has been postponed amid mounting tensions over whether the plan is feasible.

Amid a stalling of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, Israeli officials had briefed local and international media that the prime minister was considering an expansive offensive, aimed at taking full control of the Palestinian territory after 22 months of war against the militant group Hamas.