Israel Far-Right Pressures Netanyahu to Escalate Gaza Offensive Amid Coalition Rift

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces intense pressure from far-right coalition members to adopt a more aggressive military strategy against Hamas as Israel plans to capture Gaza City. Far-right ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have criticized Netanyahu's approach as weak and insufficient for achieving a decisive victory, advocating for the control and colonization of Gaza. This internal dissent has led to public protests in Tel Aviv, where demonstrators demand urgent action for hostage release and oppose the government's cautious military moves. Netanyahu responded firmly to the threats of coalition collapse from right-wing factions, warning that such instability could have tragic consequences and asserting his intention to address the situation in a forthcoming statement. The deepening rift within Netanyahu's government underscores the broader national divide between those seeking an end to the conflict and hostage deal and those demanding the total defeat of Hamas. Amidst these tensions, the UN Security Council is set to discuss Israel's plans amid growing international concern over Gaza's humanitarian crisis.