Satellite Images Suggest Major Israeli Military Buildup Near Gaza

New satellite imagery appears to show Israel amassing troops and supplies close to its border with Gaza, NBC reported, citing unnamed sources who suggested the buildup could signal an imminent ground invasion.

The development follows Israel’s security cabinet decision early Friday to seek control of Gaza City, according to The New York Times. The move came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his intention for Israel to control Gaza—home to the Hamas fighters who launched the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks that killed and kidnapped Israeli civilians.

Under the approved plan, Israel aims to defeat Hamas while providing humanitarian aid to civilians “outside the combat zones,” Netanyahu’s office said.

However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called it “a disaster that will lead to many more disasters” and claimed it contradicts the advice of Israel’s military and security leadership, the Times of Israel reported.

The future of Gaza has also fueled tensions between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. NBC reported that during a call last month, Trump clashed with Netanyahu over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. While Netanyahu dismissed reports of starvation as Hamas propaganda, Trump allegedly interrupted and raised his voice, insisting that his aides had confirmed severe hunger in the enclave.

A former U.S. official familiar with the call described it as “a direct, mostly one-way conversation about the status of humanitarian aid,” with Trump “doing most of the talking.” The official noted that Washington feels a strong sense of responsibility “because of GHF,” referring to the Gaza Humanitarian Fund.

When asked on Tuesday about a possible Israeli occupation of Gaza, Trump replied, “I really can’t say. That’s going to be pretty much up to Israel.”