A sharp confrontation broke out last night between Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir during a decisive security meeting on the future of the war in Gaza.
According to a report by Kan News, Chief Zamir turned to Netanyahu and demanded: “Why are you attacking me? Why are there briefings against me in the middle of a war? Why is your son writing against me?”
Netanyahu responded: “Stop threatening to resign in the media. I don’t accept that every time we don’t go along with your plans, you threaten to leave. My son is 33 years old—he’s an adult.”
In response, Zamir addressed the current war plan and said: “You’re walking into a trap in Gaza.”
Netanyahu replied that he should present the plan for conquering Gaza to the cabinet.
Zamir angrily responded: “I already presented it—that is the plan.”
Netanyahu concluded the argument: “Make the improvements and present it.”
Earlier, a source familiar with the discussion said: “The Prime Minister’s direction is to move toward conquering the Gaza Strip.” Another source confirmed: “The direction is to conquer the central camps and the city of Gaza.” These areas are suspected to contain hostages, and a military maneuver there is expected to endanger their lives.
As stated, the meeting focused on expanding the fighting into areas where hostages may be held, thus putting their lives at risk. The defense establishment opposes such maneuvers. As an alternative, the IDF proposed surrounding Gaza City and its residents. Several cabinet ministers, especially Minister Betzalel Smotrich, are pushing for conquering the city despite the concerns about hostages.
Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office briefed that Netanyahu seeks full conquest of the Strip to achieve a decisive defeat of Hamas. Kan News reported that if the plan to conquer the entire Strip is implemented, Chief Zamir may resign.
Channel 13 News described the confrontation between Zamir and Netanyahu as a “shouting match.” According to that report, the Prime Minister told the Chief of Staff: “We’re making the decision—and the decision is to conquer Gaza.” Zamir replied: “It’s a mistake that will hurt the hostages. This is a strategic trap that will endanger the hostages and wear down the IDF for years to come.”
The report also said that Zamir presented the option of slicing the Strip and placing Gaza City under siege, from which the IDF would launch raids on Hamas strongholds. Netanyahu rejected this approach. According to senior IDF officials, Zamir hinted at a resignation and said: “I have only one bullet left in the chamber.”
Endanger the hostages ? How much worse can it get as they are currently being starved to death? The Gemara says this is the worst way to die
Why does all of this have to be known by the public???
Neither are trustworthy.
Bibi allowed in humanitarian aid in December 2023 – just when the deprived terrorists were ready to give up all the hostages and turn in Sinwar.
Zamir is unnecessarily and sloppily continuing a war with an unforgivable rate of casualties, amputations, and PTSD for the IDF soldiers. This war could’ve been finished within in a month.
I hope he resigns. Other generals would do a much better job, but are blacklisted within the IDF for being too effective at their jobs. The elite wants to drag its feet.