The plan announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stops short of the full occupation of the Gaza Strip that he had discussed earlier.

Mr. Netanyahu said in interviews on Thursday that an expanded operation would ensure Israel’s security, drive Hamas from power, enable the return of hostages and pave the way for a temporary administration in Gaza, which he said Israel wanted to eventually hand over to “Arab forces.”

Israel says it plans to take over Gaza City in another escalation of its 22-month war with Hamas. The decision, made after a late-night meeting of top officials, drew Palestinian rejection and fueled mounting international calls to end the war.