Netanyahu plans to gradually expand the Gaza offensive, causing displeasure among the finance ministers.

Israel's far-right Finance Minister harshly criticized the Israeli government's plan to gradually expand military operations in Gaza, calling it a "foolish" compromise that would undermine efforts to defeat Hamas. The Israeli security cabinet approved a decision in the early hours of Friday, allowing the military to prepare to take control of Gaza City as a first step. However, preparations are expected to take weeks or even months, so there may be a possibility of stopping or reversing the military operation through diplomatic means. The hawkish Finance Minister Smotrich stated in a video declaration on Saturday evening that he does not support this decision. He called on Netanyahu to reconvene the security cabinet and promised to take a "clear and definitive path" to ultimately defeat Hamas, "no longer faltering halfway." Smotrich's remarks may once again threaten the stability of Netanyahu's increasingly divided and fragile coalition government.