Bipartisan criticism is mounting in Washington over Israel’s newly approved plan to seize control of Gaza City. The Israeli security cabinet confirmed early Friday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to occupy the city has been given the green light. But the decision is drawing pushback not only in the United States, but also within Israel itself.

From Capitol Hill, members of both major US parties are voicing concern. Republican Congressman Tim Burchett of Tennessee questioned who would actually govern Gaza City if Israel takes it over. His colleague, Ryan Zinke of Montana, cautioned that occupation carries responsibility—warning Israel must also provide humanitarian aid and create an economic path forward.

On the Democratic side, Congressman Richie Torres, a strong supporter of Israel, acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself but warned that the war risks becoming a “quagmire.” Torres argued the move may only advance Hamas’s objectives by further isolating Israel internationally.

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders went further, sharply criticizing US support for the war. Sanders said both President Biden and former President Trump were wrong in backing Israel’s campaign, declaring that Americans across the political spectrum do not want taxpayer dollars funding what he described as the starvation of children.

Criticism has also surfaced inside Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the cabinet’s decision “a disaster that will lead to many more disasters.” Even some members of Netanyahu’s own security cabinet reportedly admitted that the plan is unlikely to either defeat Hamas or secure the release of Israeli hostages.

The debate underscores the deepening divisions over Israel’s military strategy—both abroad and at home—as the war in Gaza drags on with no clear resolution in sight.

Stay with us here on SNEWS TV for continuing coverage of the conflict and its global fallout.

Reporting by Katy Moore.