JERUSALEM/CAIRO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encountered opposition from the military leadership during a tense three-hour meeting over his plan to seize remaining parts of Gaza not currently under Israeli control, according to three Israeli officials.
Eyal Zamir, the chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, cautioned Netanyahu that expanding the military operation into all of Gaza could entrap Israeli forces within the territory—retreated from two decades ago—and jeopardize the safety of hostages being held there, the officials revealed.
Currently, the Israeli military states it controls approximately 75% of Gaza after nearly two years of conflict, which erupted following Hamas’s attack on southern Israeli communities in October 2023. The ongoing war has devastated much of Gaza’s densely populated coastal strip, destroying infrastructure including homes, schools, mosques, and hospitals. The population faces displacement, shortages of food, and a humanitarian crisis that many aid organizations warn is approaching famine levels.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over reports suggesting Israel might expand its military operations in Gaza, calling such reports “deeply alarming.” Israeli forces have often avoided areas believed to harbor hostages, as captors have reportedly threatened to kill those held if Israeli troops advance.
Netanyahu, who favors expanding military efforts, reportedly told Zamir that the military’s failure to secure the release of hostages so far was unacceptable. Diplomatic negotiations have successfully freed most of the hostages already released.
Another source indicated that Netanyahu’s aim is to escalate military actions to exert greater pressure on Hamas. Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged the military chief’s right to voice concerns but emphasized that the IDF would implement the government’s directives until all war objectives are achieved.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the meeting but declined further comment, and the military did not respond to requests for clarification.
