The Israeli Security Cabinet early on Friday approved a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take military control of Gaza City and to disarm Palestinian militant organization Hamas, according to a statement by the premier's office.

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.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that to destroy Hamas, Israel intends to take full control of the Gaza Strip and eventually transfer its administration to friendly Arab forces, as the Security Cabinet discussed a widening of its 22-month offensive.