Netanyahu to address media ahead of UN meeting on Israeli plan to take over Gaza City

Netanyahu likely to face questions about the security cabinet’s decision on Friday to expand the military offensive a move opposed by Israel’s military.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | August 10, 2025 06:55 PM IST

2 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the audience at a conference in Jerusalem. (Photo: AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak to international media in Jerusalem on Sunday afternoon, hours before the UN Security Council holds an emergency meeting on his government’s decision to take control of Gaza City.

The press conference is scheduled for 4:30pm local time (7:00pm IST), BBC reports. Netanyahu likely to face questions about the security cabinet’s decision on Friday to expand the military offensive a move opposed by Israel’s military, which has warned it could put hostages at greater risk. Hamas has said it will offer “fierce resistance” if the plan goes ahead.

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However, hundred of thousand people protested in Tel Aviv on Saturday, calling for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Demonstrators also criticised Netanyahu’s handling of the war and urged him to scrap the Gaza City plan, as per Reuters report.

Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of the security cabinet, said in a video on X that the prime minister’s approach was “more of the same” and would not defeat Hamas. “I have lost faith in Netanyahu’s ability and desire to lead to victory over Hamas,” he said.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told Army Radio that taking Gaza City was “a good first step” but should be followed by further action.

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