Netanyahu’s plan to take over Gaza City

Post Reports

The Washington Post

Daily News, Politics, News

4.4 • 5.1K Ratings

🗓️ 12 August 2025

⏱️ 28 minutes

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Summary

Israel has announced a plan that could eventually allow it to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip. But the announcement has been met with widespread criticism inside and outside Israel. Foreign leaders and protesters say this approach lacks clarity and will prolong the suffering of Palestinian civilians and endanger hostages still held by Hamas.

Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Tel Aviv- based correspondent Shira Rubin about the consequences of this tactical shift and why Netanyahu has seemed unswayed by international pressure.

Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy with help from Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sam Bair. Thank you to Lior Siroka and Alan Sipress.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Good afternoon.
0:05.0	I'm glad you came here because I'd like to take the opportunity to puncture the lies and tell the truth.
0:13.0	Israel is preparing to take control of Gaza City.
0:16.0	In a news conference on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out and defended
0:21.8	this controversial plan.
0:23.6	Israel's security cabinet instructed the IDF to dismantle the two remaining Hamas strongholds
0:29.7	in Gaza City and the central camps.
0:32.5	Contrary to false claims, this is the best way to end the war and the best way to end it speedily.
0:42.4	The decision marks a significant tactical shift for Israel.
0:46.4	The Israeli military currently controls about 75% of the Gaza Strip.
0:51.0	But this would be the first time its military has been asked to hold and maintain control of Gaza's largest city.
0:57.0	And it would pave the way for a phased military takeover of the entire enclave, which could lead to the deaths of more Palestinian civilians and the Israeli hostages still being held there.
1:12.3	From the newsroom of the Washington Post, this is Post Reports.
1:16.2	I'm Colby Echowitz.
1:17.4	It's Tuesday, August 12th.
1:19.9	Today, I talk with the post reporter in Tel Aviv, Shira Rubin, about Israel's plan.
1:25.6	The local and global condemnation it's faced and why Israeli leadership
1:30.1	does not seem phased.
1:40.9	Shira, hello, thank you so much for joining us.
1:43.3	Thank you for having me.
1:45.1	So, Shera, let's start with this.
1:47.1	What is in this plan that was approved last week by Israel's security cabinet?
	...

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