Rift Between Netanyahu and Israel’s Military Deepens Over Gaza City Assault
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing tensions with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over the planned Gaza City assault. With reservists refusing orders and humanitarian risks mounting, Israel’s political and military leadership is at a crossroads.
Netanyahu and IDF Clash Over Gaza Strategy
A widening rift between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has placed the nation’s leadership under intense scrutiny. At the heart of the conflict lies Netanyahu’s insistence on launching a massive offensive to capture Gaza City, despite mounting concerns from the military, international mediators, and sections of Israeli society.
According to officials present at recent security cabinet meetings, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir voiced strong objections to the plan, citing the risk to the 48 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza and the likelihood of catastrophic humanitarian fallout. Zamir urged ministers to reconsider the latest ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, which Hamas has reportedly accepted.
Netanyahu, however, dismissed Zamir’s warnings. Instead, he cited the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump, who allegedly told him: “Forget the partial deals… Go in with full force and finish this.”
The Humanitarian and Strategic Risks
Zamir’s caution is not without reason. Nearly one million Palestinians risk displacement if Israel pushes forward with the Gaza City takeover. Humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, have already warned of severe consequences for civilians.
The IDF chief argued that such a move would effectively place Israel in full control of Gaza, forcing it into a long-term military occupation of the territory — something past governments have sought to avoid due to international pressure and domestic strain.
“You need to understand that your decision to conquer Gaza City means that you are going to a full military administration – the only one who will bear responsibility for the local population will be the IDF,” Zamir reportedly told the cabinet.
This blunt warning underscores not only the military burden but also the political fallout that could follow such an occupation.
Netanyahu’s Hardline Allies Push Back
While a minority of ministers, including some from Netanyahu’s own Likud Party, expressed support for Zamir’s position, the prime minister’s far-right coalition partners strongly rejected it. They accused the IDF chief of adopting a defeatist stance, framing his objections as a barrier to achieving “total victory” over Hamas.
The clash is not isolated. Netanyahu’s government has frequently dismissed military advice since coming to power in January 2023, often prioritizing political goals over strategic caution. This ongoing friction between political and military leadership has only deepened as the war in Gaza drags into its second year.
Adding fuel to the fire, Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, lashed out at Zamir last month, accusing him of orchestrating a “rebellion and attempted military coup reminiscent of banana republics.” While critics condemned the remark, Netanyahu did not distance himself from his son’s inflammatory statement.
Growing Resistance Among Israeli Reservists
Perhaps more alarming for Netanyahu is the growing dissent within Israel’s own ranks. On Tuesday, a movement known as “Soldiers for Hostages” announced that hundreds of reservists would refuse to serve in the planned operation.
The group’s spokesperson, Yotam Vilk, explained that the campaign began in response to Netanyahu’s handling of hostage negotiations. According to Vilk, the prime minister is sabotaging potential deals, putting Israeli captives at greater risk.
“We have all served, and some of us will serve again, but we are against the ongoing war and the current campaign,” Vilk told CNN.
The reservists issued a formal letter to the Military Advocate General, declaring that the order to seize Gaza City is “blatantly illegal” and violates both legal and moral standards. They warned that soldiers who comply could face criminal responsibility.
The Political Stakes for Netanyahu
For Netanyahu, the Gaza campaign is not only a military issue but also a political survival strategy. Since the devastating October 7, 2023 attacks, he has faced fierce criticism for security lapses. Over the past nine months, he replaced key figures in Israel’s defense establishment, including the defense minister, IDF chief, and head of Shin Bet.
Ironically, Eyal Zamir was seen as a Netanyahu loyalist when appointed earlier this year, having previously served as his military secretary. Yet within months, Zamir has become one of the strongest voices urging restraint, setting up a showdown with the prime minister who once championed him.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Pressures
The latest standoff comes as international mediators intensify efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States continue to push for a diplomatic solution, warning that an Israeli military escalation could derail negotiations entirely.
Humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the proposed Gaza City offensive, calling it a move that would exacerbate suffering in the already devastated enclave.
Meanwhile, global media outlets such as CNN, Reuters, and BBC have highlighted the growing internal divisions within Israel, portraying the situation as a serious test of Netanyahu’s leadership.
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Conclusion
The escalating rift between Prime Minister Netanyahu and IDF Chief Eyal Zamir illustrates the deep fractures within Israel’s political and military leadership. With reservists openly refusing orders, humanitarian concerns mounting, and international mediators pushing for restraint, Israel stands at a pivotal moment.
Whether Netanyahu presses ahead with the Gaza City offensive or yields to growing pressure for a negotiated settlement will shape not only the fate of Gaza but also the prime minister’s political future.
At stake is not only Israel’s military strategy but also its democratic resilience and international standing in an increasingly fragile Middle East.
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