A major rift has surfaced between Israel’s military leadership and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over the future course of operations in Gaza. The dispute has become public just hours before a crucial security cabinet meeting expected to approve—or reject—Netanyahu’s plan for a full-scale occupation of the Gaza Strip.
At the center of the disagreement is IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. General Herzi Halevi (Eyal Zamir in original), who has openly voiced concerns about the proposed military strategy. “We will continue to express our position in a pragmatic, independent, and professional way,” Halevi stated. He emphasized that a culture of internal debate is a core value of Israel’s armed forces and essential to their institutional integrity.
“We are not dealing in theory—we are dealing with life and death, with the defense of the state,” he added. “We act with responsibility, integrity, and determination, always with the security of the state as our guiding principle. We have achieved and even surpassed the goals of the current operation, and we will continue to act to ensure long-term safety for communities in the south.”
Despite opposition from the military leadership and concerns among the public, Netanyahu appears intent on pressing forward. His next phase of operations reportedly includes a significant escalation of combat across Gaza, including in areas believed to house Israeli hostages and large civilian populations. The stated aim: total military control of the Palestinian enclave.
Critics, including elements within the Israeli defense establishment, have warned that such an approach could endanger the lives of remaining hostages believed to be held in Hamas tunnels and result in high casualties for both Israeli forces and civilians.
Public opinion polls suggest a majority of Israelis favor ending the war through a deal that would secure the release of the remaining hostages. However, Netanyahu’s administration continues to pursue what it calls a “complete victory” over Hamas.
The Israeli military claims to control approximately 75% of Gaza, while nearly two million residents have been displaced multiple times over the past 22 months. According to recent reports, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with the population on the brink of famine.