Tensions between Israeli military and political leaders have been directly facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a recent meeting over plans to expand the Gaza War last week, two Israeli officials told CNN.
Despite the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) chief repeatedly making reservations about the decision to take over Gaza after almost two years of battle, Israeli reserves have begun reporting their obligation to prepare for a massive operation.
According to two Israeli officials who were described for the exchange, at two recent security cabinet meetings on Gaza City projects, Zamir disputed the decision to carry out the attack, focusing on the potential risks to the 48 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza and soldiers on the battlefield. He also challenged up to one million Palestinians in the process and their potential humanitarian and strategic impacts.
At the latest Stormy Security Cabinet meeting on Sunday evening, Zamir once again urged the minister to consider the latest ceasefire proposal proposed by the Egyptian and Qatari mediators accepted by Hamas, officials told CNN.
According to Israeli officials, “The table has a framework.
Netanyahu chose to raise proposals and place them on the Cabinet agenda, but Zamir still insisted on making his point. Officials also warned that the decision to take over Gaza would ultimately lead to full Israeli military occupation of the Gaza Strip, saying Israel is fully responsible for the entire population.
“You need to understand that the decision to conquer Gaza city means you go to full military regime. The only person responsible for the local residents is the IDF,” he is said to have warned in comments leaked to many Israeli media and confirmed by CNN.
An IDF spokesman declined to comment on the citation caused by Zamir. CNN contacted the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office for comment.
Zamir’s reservation was rejected by Netanyahu. Netanyahu refused to discuss the partial ceasefire deal. The Prime Minister cited President Donald Trump, saying, “Forget the partial deal… I’ll go all out and finish this.” Netanyahu instead claims a comprehensive deal where all hostages are released at once.
Only a few ministers expressed support for Zamir’s position, including members of Netanyahu’s Likud party. Meanwhile, the prime minister’s far-right political allies have insisted the Chief of Staff Chief of Staff, who is leading a weak and defeatist approach that is hampering victory over Hamas, officials said.
Differences between Zamir and the government have deepened in recent weeks as reports of his opposition to the spread of the Gaza War emerged.
In early August, the prime minister’s son, Yair Netanyahu, announced the IDF chief on social media, claiming that he “took an attempt to revolt and military coup in the 1970s, reminiscent of the Banana Republic.” Netanyahu has not denied his son’s comments.
The latest clashes reflect a wider pattern, with the Netanyahu government causing chronic tensions with military Echelon and often dismissing military advice since the Cabinet was sworn in January 2023. Netanyahu’s hard-wired, far-right allies frequently clash with the Army over policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Tensions have been frequent between governments and military leaders during almost two years of war. Netanyahu repeatedly attempted to refuse liability for security lapses during the October 7, 2023 attack.
For the past nine months, the Prime Minister has replaced all the key security figures that had been in office on the day of the attack, including the Minister of Defense, the military chief and the Director of the Internal Security, Singh Bett.
However, unlike his predecessor, the current Chief of Staff of the IDF, was appointed directly by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The appointment of Zamir, who previously served as the prime minister’s military chief, was initially accepted by the government. However, he soon became the target of far-right complaints about the war lawsuit.
Zamir’s opposition to the latest push to expand the war further heightened tensions and prompted a call from Netanyahu’s allies for the military chief to resign six months after its appointment.
The Israeli Reservation Growth Group, citing deep concerns over the security of Israeli hostages and the humanitarian sacrifices of war, announced that they would refuse to report their duties if they were called for Israeli planned military operations to seize Gaza City.
The reserves who held a press conference in Tel Aviv are part of a loosely organized movement called “hostage soldiers.”
Yotam Vilk, a spokesman for the group, told CNN on Tuesday that the movement began in response to what members viewed as a “block” of Netanyahu hostage negotiations.
The group’s main focus is to secure hostage releases, but Vilk said its members also opposed the ongoing war in Gaza, claiming its purpose was unclear. “We’ve all served, and while some of us will serve again, we are against the ongoing war and the current campaign.”
In a letter to the military advocate general, the group called on the legal authority of the top IDF to halt the planned attack on Gaza city.
“It is clear that the order to conquer Gaza city exceeds all legal and moral standards. This order is blatantly illegal and must be followed, and soldiers who follow it may be criminal and personal liable,” the letter reads.
According to Vilk, the group has not received a response.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
