Re-occupying Gaza: From the fire into the frying pan

In a reversal of repeatedly stated policy that Israel would not re-occupy Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is signalling that he is mulling Israel’s re-occupation of the Strip.

Mr. Netanyahu suggested as much in a Hebrew-language statement issued by his office.

Israel’s Security Cabinet this week discussed the proposition with the full Cabinet scheduled to debate it in the coming days.

The statement announced that Mr. Netanyahu had decided to "occupy all of the Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages may be held."

Even so, it remains unclear whether Mr. Netanyahu wants to re-occupy Gaza or is hoping that the threat will persuade Hamas to bow to Israeli demands in stalled ceasefire negotiations.