(5 Aug 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jerusalem – 5 August 2025
1. SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Federman, the Associated Press:
"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is debating whether to intensify Israel’s war in Gaza. Israel launched this war nearly two years ago in response to Hamas’s October 7th attacks. Since that time, the offensive has caused widespread destruction across Gaza. In fact, Gaza health authorities say that the death toll has now risen above 61,000 Palestinians. But with ceasefire efforts deadlocked, Netanyahu is now huddling, consulting with his top security advisers, and they are debating whether to order a full reoccupation of Gaza. This is a step that would be aimed at increasing the pressure on Hamas. Remember, Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead until Hamas is destroyed and until it releases all of the hostages it still is holding. But this also would be extremely risky. It would certainly deepen the conditions and the suffering that we see in Gaza. It would almost certainly trigger more international criticism and condemnations of this offensive, and it would also risk endangering the lives of the 20 or so hostages who are still believed to be alive. Inside Israel there’s a fierce debate over this step. A number of top retired, former military and security commanders have now come out and called on Netanyahu to end the war. They say that this war has run its course. Netanyahu, however, remains unfazed. And he is keeping all options open."
++ENDS ON SOUNDBITE++
STORYLINE:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at wider military action in devastated Gaza on Tuesday, even as former Israeli army and intelligence chiefs called for an end to the nearly 22-month war.
The new pressure on Netanyahu came as Gaza’s Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll had surpassed 61,000.
Health officials reported new deaths of hungry Palestinians seeking food at distribution points.
As desperation mounts, the Israeli defense body coordinating aid announced a deal with local merchants to improve aid deliveries.
Former security officials speaking out included previous leaders of Israel’s Shin Bet internal security service, Mossad spy agency and the military — and ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
In a video posted to social media this week, they said far-right members of the government are holding Israel “hostage” in prolonging the conflict.
Netanyahu’s objectives in Gaza are “a fantasy," Yoram Cohen, former head of Shin Bet, said in the video.
“If anyone imagines that we can reach every terrorist and every pit and every weapon, and in parallel bring our hostages home — I think it is impossible,” he said.
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