Overview
- On Thursday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the army to extend control in the Gaza Strip from about 60 percent to 70 percent, saying the advance will proceed ‘‘step by step.’
- That instruction directly contradicts the US‑mediated plan that set a marked 'Yellow Line' limiting Israeli control to roughly 50–53 percent, and reporters say Israel has moved physical markers forward on the ground.
- At the same time Israel has stepped up operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, carried out strikes near Beirut, ordered evacuations of several southern villages and said forces crossed the Litani River.
- Gaza health authorities and UN sources report hundreds of civilian deaths since the October 2025 ceasefire and aid groups warn that expanding Israeli control and continued fighting are blocking reconstruction and relief deliveries.
- US and Lebanese officials held military talks in Washington this week to try to contain the escalation, but analysts say the new Israeli orders, domestic Israeli politics and stalled Hamas disarmament make diplomatic progress and funding for Gaza reconstruction uncertain.