Netanyahu Confirms Israeli Military Expansion Beyond Agreed "Yellow Line" in Gaza Strip

Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces now control around 60 percent of the Gaza Strip, marking the first official indication that Israel’s military footprint in the territory has expanded beyond the parameters outlined in the October ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu made the remarks during an event marking Jerusalem Day, as fighting and humanitarian concerns continue across Gaza despite an existing truce framework.

Speaking on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel had demonstrated its military strength over the past two years and reaffirmed the government’s position on maintaining security control in the Palestinian enclave. Referring to domestic and international calls for troop withdrawal, he said Israel had chosen not to pull back, adding that current territorial control stood at 60 percent. His remarks suggest a broader Israeli military presence than what had been publicly acknowledged in recent months.

Under the US-brokered ceasefire framework that came into effect in October, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw to a designated “Yellow Line,” leaving them in control of just over half of the Gaza Strip. However, recent media reports had indicated that Israeli troops were advancing toward a new “Orange Line,” signaling an expanded operational zone. Netanyahu’s comments appear to confirm those reports and may complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at making the ceasefire permanent.

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The conflict in the Gaza Strip continues to generate global concern, with daily violence, humanitarian shortages, and stalled negotiations over a long-term resolution. The war, triggered by the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military campaign, has remained one of the most significant geopolitical crises in the region. International mediators have repeatedly called for renewed dialogue, hostage negotiations, and steps toward a sustainable peace agreement.

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