Germany halts weapons exports to Israel for use in Gaza conflict as Netanyahu’s occupation plan faces global criticism.

The military leadership has said it preferred a new cease-fire, and the military’s chief of staff previously raised concerns about troop exhaustion.

By Alexander Cornwell, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Charlotte Greenfield JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel's security cabinet approved a plan on Friday to take control of Gaza City, a move expanding military operations in the shattered Palestinian territory despite growing criticism at home and abroad over the almost two-year-old war.