Israeli Cabinet Convenes to Discuss Resuming Full-Scale Gaza War as Hamas Refuses Disarmament

Israel's security cabinet met on or around May 8, 2026 to formally deliberate over the option of resuming full-scale military operations in Gaza after Hamas categorically refused the five-stage disarmament roadmap demanded by the Board of Peace. The Times of Israel reported: 'Ministers set to discuss renewing Gaza war as Hamas refuses to disarm.' The cabinet debate represented the most concrete step yet toward ending the October 10, 2025 ceasefire — now seven months old. Ministers representing the far-right bloc (Ben-Gvir, Smotrich) have consistently argued for war resumption. Finance Minister Smotrich characterized the ceasefire as 'providing cover for Hamas to regroup.' Defense Minister Katz argued renewed military action was inevitable if the disarmament impasse persisted. The Board of Peace High Representative Nickolay Mladenov, in a briefing to the UN Security Council on May 8, warned that the window for a negotiated solution was 'rapidly closing' — but still urged restraint and a diplomatic path. Israel's military posture has shifted: the IDF now controls approximately 60% of Gaza territory, including the buffer zone and the entire Philadelphi Corridor.