Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday an expanded offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas would be "intensive" after his security cabinet approved plans that may include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling aid.

Israel’s cabinet changed course on Gaza in dramatic fashion. It decided to “expand” military operations in the strip again and put in place a new plan to distribute aid to Gaza’s population. Israel’s hard right sees a path to a permanent reoccupation.

Israeli Cabinet ministers approved a plan early Monday to take over the Gaza Strip for an unspecified period of time, a move that dampens hopes of a ceasefire with Hamas in the near term. Israeli