Israel’s ongoing military push into Gaza City is not only creating deeper divisions among its public but also revealing significant disagreements between the military command and the elected government during a critical period.
Recently, high-ranking military and security officials have voiced strong opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies on three key fronts: the decision to invade Gaza City, the urban heart of the enclave; the strategy to target senior Hamas officials in Qatar; and his overall approach to peace talks aimed at ending the conflict.
Netanyahu’s unyielding stance on these issues has not only exacerbated Israel’s international isolation but also intensified domestic scrutiny regarding the nation’s future direction. His actions have strained Israel’s crucial relationships with Arab countries, even as President Trump seeks to foster their expansion, and have drawn widespread condemnation and sanctions from several traditional allies.
Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, a nonpartisan research organization in Jerusalem, highlighted the unprecedented concentration of national security decision-making in one individual. He noted, “The standard practice was to reach major decisions through consensus between political and military leaders. This norm has been broken, forcing the chief of staff to lead soldiers into a battle he may not fully endorse.”
An image captures a massive explosion in Gaza, seen from across the Israeli border, underscoring the intense nature of the conflict.
Plesner, a former centrist lawmaker, further elaborated on the violation of established norms, emphasizing how military leaders are now being compelled to engage in conflicts they might not strategically support.
Another stark image shows residents of Gaza City, carrying their children and belongings, evacuating their homes and moving south, highlighting the profound human impact of the conflict.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the military chief of staff, has actively resisted the government’s decision to capture Gaza City, which Israeli leaders claim is a final Hamas stronghold. Despite his concerns, Israel initiated a ground invasion this week, even with hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians still residing in the city.
Security officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, revealed General Zamir’s worries about the cumulative fatigue of reserve soldiers after nearly two years of continuous conflict in Gaza. He also cautioned that the military might find itself solely responsible for governing Gaza Strip’s two million Palestinians.
Furthermore, there are serious fears that the assault on Gaza City could critically endanger the lives of hostages still held within the area.
Mr. Netanyahu had lauded General Zamir for his “aggressive approach” upon his appointment just months prior. However, the prime minister has since proceeded with dangerous operations in both Gaza and Qatar, often disregarding the advice of his most senior military and security advisers.
General Zamir and David Barnea, the head of Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, both opposed the timing of the strike in Qatar. Qatar, a crucial mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations and a close U.S. ally, was considered too sensitive for such an an operation at that juncture. Sources close to the internal discussions, who preferred anonymity, indicated that both chiefs advocated for allowing the ceasefire talks to conclude.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel’s military chief of staff, is pictured in Jerusalem, reflecting his prominent role in these challenging times.
David Barnea, chief of the Mossad spy agency, is seen in Tel Aviv, representing another key figure in Israel’s security establishment.
Mr. Netanyahu recently altered his negotiating position. Initially, he favored a gradual, phased approach to conflict resolution, beginning with a temporary truce and the release of some hostages. Now, he demands a single, comprehensive agreement to free all remaining hostages immediately and end the war under Israeli terms—a deal Hamas has consistently rejected as far-fetched and difficult to achieve.
This abrupt change in strategy also met opposition from General Zamir, Mr. Barnea, and Tzachi Hanegbi, Netanyahu’s national security adviser. Anonymous officials stated that these three leaders preferred a return to the previously proposed phased deal, which Hamas had largely agreed to.
Under Israel’s democratic legal framework, military and security chiefs must either execute government directives or resign. General Zamir, to date, has chosen to remain in his position.
In a televised address on Tuesday, General Zamir affirmed that the Gaza City offensive aimed for a decisive defeat of Hamas. Simultaneously, he underscored that the repatriation of hostages remains a primary war objective and a profound “national and moral obligation.”
Israeli military vehicles are seen near the Gaza border. The primary concern is that this offensive could jeopardize the lives of the hostages still held captive in Gaza City.
Idit Shafran Gittleman, a military-civil relations expert at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, confirmed General Zamir’s clear reservations about the Gaza City operation. She noted that while disagreements between politicians and generals are common, this current rift appears to be a deeper moral conflict, pitting those who prioritize Hamas’s defeat against those focused on the hostages’ safe return. She emphasized the severe gravity of the situation, with thousands of soldiers deployed.
Many Israelis express doubt about the government’s ability to eliminate Hamas and question what this new operation in Gaza City can achieve that nearly two years of conflict have not.
Public opinion polls indicate that a majority of Israelis would prefer a negotiated settlement, securing the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a cessation of hostilities.
Critics accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war to retain power and appease his far-right coalition partners. Extending the conflict also defers accountability for the governmental and intelligence failures preceding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that triggered the war.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is shown, facing criticism that he has extended the conflict to maintain his political position.
The Gaza City operation is anticipated to worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis in the coastal area. Health officials in Gaza report approximately 65,000 Palestinian deaths in the war, without distinguishing between combatants and civilians. Israeli authorities reported around 1,200 casualties and 250 hostages taken during the October 2023 Hamas attack.
While dozens of captives were released during previous truces, Israel estimates that about 20 hostages remain alive in Gaza, along with the remains of up to 28 others.
The United States recently vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the removal of Israeli aid restrictions. This resolution, which also called for an immediate halt to Israel’s expanded military campaign, was supported by all 14 other members.
Morgan Ortagus, a U.S. mission counselor to the U.N., explained the veto by calling the resolution “unacceptable,” arguing it would enable Hamas to conduct future attacks similar to those of October 7.
Although over 350,000 people had evacuated Gaza City by Tuesday evening, according to the Israeli military, an estimated half a million individuals are still believed to be enduring bombardment in the city.
Plesner and other analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s far-right government operates with fewer traditional constraints that have historically guided Israeli decision-making, such as the principle of consensus.
Historically, the defense minister was a politically influential figure with effective veto power over contentious military operations. However, the current Defense Minister, Israel Katz, appointed by Netanyahu last year after a predecessor was dismissed due to disagreements, is widely seen as a loyalist. He has repeatedly threatened “hell” upon Hamas if they do not release hostages and surrender.
A camp for displaced individuals in Al-Mawasi, near Khan Younis, Gaza. The Gaza City offensive is predicted to exacerbate the region’s already dire humanitarian situation.
Mr. Netanyahu faces minimal opposition from his hard-line coalition partners or within his own party. Coupled with strong support from the Trump administration, other international actors seem to have limited influence over his current strategies.
Mr. Netanyahu has been accused of war crimes, including starvation in Gaza, by the International Criminal Court, and of overseeing genocide. The Israeli government vehemently denies these charges, which appear to have only made Mr. Netanyahu more isolated and resolute.