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WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is staying tight-lipped as Israel decides whether to fully occupy the Gaza Strip nearly two years into its war with Hamas.  

Following a breakdown in ceasefire talks, Israel’s security cabinet is expected to approve the full takeover of the Palestinian territory on Thursday, including Gaza City and refugee camps where Israeli intelligence believes hostages are being held. In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel intends to take control of the entirety of Gaza before handing it over to “Arab forces that will govern Gaza properly.”

Israel already controls about 75% of Gaza. Analysts warn that seizing the remainder could endanger the hostages and result in heavy Palestinian civilian casualties while adding further strain to Israel’s economy, overstretching its military and increasing the country’s international isolation. Netanyahu held a three-hour meeting on Tuesday with his army chief, Eyal Zamir, who reportedly cautioned against taking control of the remaining parts of Gaza where most of the Palestinian population is concentrated.