The idea, pushed especially by far-right ministers in Netanyahu's coalition, of Israeli forces thrusting into areas they do not already hold in the enclave has generated alarm in Israel.

The prime minister and his far-right colleagues have faced intense backlash for such a plan, which would be a major escalation in the 22-month offensive.

In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said, "We intend to," when asked whether Israel would take control of the Gaza enclave.