Open confrontation are led by his political and military leadership over the course of war on the backdrop of information that the government is preparing to announce a new, more aggressive phase of military operations, even in areas where Israeli hostages are being held or resided.
The warnings of the Chief of the General Staff
At yesterday’s Security Council meeting, Chief of General Staff General Eyal Zamir warned that a universal occupation and occupation of the Gaza Strip would be a “trap” as it could lead to the death of its remaining hostages held underneath. According to the Kan 11 state network, Zamir made it clear that he remains opposed to such a scenario.
Pressure from ministers and political leadership
Many ministers have pressured the General to pledge to execute government commands, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declaring that Zamir has agreed to follow the orders, including them for “occupation and decisive action”. The prime minister’s office issued a statement assuring that “the army is ready to implement any government order”.
The Chief of the Israeli Army General Staff has the right to “express” his opinion on the next phase of the war in the Gaza Strip but must “execute” the government’s political decisions, Defense Minister Israel Kats said today.
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to announce a new phase of business in the Palestinian enclave against Hamas and in order to achieve hostage release, the Israeli press references to reservations, and even objections, of the Chief of Staff.
“It is the right and the duty of the Chief of the General Staff to express his position in the competent institutions,” the minister commented on X. “But after making decisions at the political level, the army will execute them with determination and professionalism … until the objectives of the war,” he said.
“As Minister of Defense, responsible for the army on behalf of the government, I must ensure that these plans are being implemented,” he added.
“Hamas’ refusal to release hostages requires additional decisions in a way that promotes the goals of war: to kill Hamas while creating the conditions for the liberation of hostages and to guarantee the security of Israeli communities now and forever.”
Inflammatory statements and political reactions
The tension culminated in a post by the son of the Prime Minister, Yair Netanyahu, on X, in which he accused the army of “stance and attempted military coup”, describing it as “criminal”.
On the opposition side, its leader, Yair Lapid, accused the government of “leading hostage to hostage, hosts and torture” and will burden Israeli taxpayers at the cost of a long -term occupation. Yair Golan, also from the opposition, threatened with a national strike if the government ignored the opinion of the army and does not lead the country to elections.
Critical meeting tomorrow
The Israeli Security Council is expected to meet tomorrow in full composition to make final decisions on the next phase of military operations, while Gaza remains on the brink of a new bloody escalation.
