Israel's far-right finance minister wants a tougher plan, Italy warned of a "Vietnam" for Israel's army and thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv, calling for an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages.

Netanyahu wants us to believe, or at least wants the Trump administration to, that Israel has no alternative than to intensify the war and, in effect, reoccupy the whole of the Gaza Strip — seriously risking the lives of the hostages in the process.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his plan for a military sweep against the final Hamas strongholds in Gaza, calling it the best available option for recovering hostages while safeguarding his country’s long-term security — an argument that’s met vocal opposition at home and abroad.