Israel to control 70% of Gaza as opposition moves to oust Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will soon control about 70 % of the Gaza Strip, surpassing the limits set by the U.S.-brokered cease‑fire that allowed Israel to hold up to 53 % of the enclave. He described ongoing operations to suppress Hamas on all fronts and referenced the expansion of the so‑called “orange line” that adds roughly 11 % of territory under Israeli military coordination. Netanyahu also noted continued attacks against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon despite a newly announced truce, and condemned a terrorist shooting in central Israel.

At the same time, a centrist‑right bloc of three veteran leaders—former prime minister Naftali Bennett, opposition figure Yair Lapid and former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot—is consolidating to challenge Netanyahu in the upcoming autumn elections. The trio accuses the incumbent of corruption, eroding democratic institutions and mishandling the war that began on October 7. Their platform calls for independent investigations of the October 7 attacks, reforms to the military draft, and a restoration of checks and balances, while rejecting any coalition with Arab parties. Polls show the bloc could surpass Netanyahu’s coalition if it gains additional seats, although it still falls short of a majority.