The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now reportedly moving forward with an expanded military campaign in Gaza despite objections from Israel’s top general, underscoring a rift between the country’s political leadership and segments of its security establishment after nearly two years of war.
Eyal Zamir, the Israel Defense Forces’ chief of staff, voiced concerns during a security cabinet meeting last week about a plan to take over Gaza City as the opening phase of an intensified push against Hamas, according to a person familiar with the exchange.
Zamir cited manpower shortages and troop exhaustion, and favored a more limited approach.
The cabinet overruled him, approving the operation.
On Wednesday, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a key figure in Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, called for Zamir’s removal unless he severs ties with a group of former generals allegedly advising him.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, a close Netanyahu ally, has also clashed with Zamir over recent military appointments.
The military did not respond to requests for comment, but Zamir said Wednesday he had approved a plan to execute the cabinet’s orders. He “emphasized the importance of increasing troop readiness and preparedness for reserve recruitment, while providing time to regroup and recover ahead of the upcoming missions.”
The public disputes reflect a broader divide that has persisted throughout the war, with Netanyahu often favoring decisive military action over what some security officials have viewed as unworkable or insufficiently planned operations.
Critics have accused him of lacking a postwar strategy for Gaza, while the prime minister has insisted that military pressure remains essential to securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu has shown a willingness to replace military leadership when dissatisfied with performance.
He appointed Zamir five months ago, following the resignation of Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, who stepped down after failing to prevent the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the current conflict.
The prime minister also dismissed his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, during earlier disagreements over the war’s direction.
The coalition’s reliance on right-wing partners such as Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has reinforced Netanyahu’s commitment to a more aggressive posture in Gaza.
While opponents claim this serves political purposes, the government frames it as necessary to defeat Hamas and restore Israeli security.
International criticism has grown over Israel’s decision to expand its Gaza operations, as well as earlier measures restricting the flow of food into the enclave.
Germany has announced it would curb arms sales to Israel, and European governments, along with the United Kingdom, have condemned the war plan.
Under the new strategy, the Israeli military will target Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and the enclave’s refugee camps. Security analysts say the aim is to increase pressure on Hamas to yield in cease-fire talks.
The Gaza City offensive could last many weeks, with the option to pause operations as needed — a measured pace that accounts for manpower limitations while sustaining momentum on the battlefield.
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