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.”

The Israeli military “will prepare for taking control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside the combat zones,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

The move expands military operations despite intensifying criticism at home and abroad over the devastating, almost two-year-old war.