Israel has routed its enemies across the region but has yet to return all its hostages from the Gaza Strip. Hamas appears to have been decimated militarily but has kept up insurgent attacks. Gaza is in ruins and experts say it is sliding into famine, and long-running ceasefire talks seem to have broken down.

Last week, 22 lawmakers in Netanyahu’s coalition signed a letter pressing Israel’s defense minister to allow activists into northern Gaza itself to scout potential settlement locations. “The return of the Jewish people to these places is not just a strategic step,

Growing anticipation of some greater involvement in the Palestinian enclave comes as Israel’s military operation leaves its war aims unfulfilled.