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Netanyahu Clashes with Army Chief Over Gaza War Strategy
Tensions spike in Israel as PM Netanyahu and army chief Eyal Zamir clash over Gaza strategy. Military warns controlling 2M Gazans is unrealistic. Shouting match erupts in key meeting.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-05
Netanyahu Clashes with Army Chief Over Gaza War Strategy

A sharp divide has emerged between the Israeli government and its military leadership over the future course of the Gaza war, with reports of a heated confrontation between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

According to Al-Arabiya, a high-level security meeting was convened Thursday evening at the invitation of Netanyahu to discuss the continuation of the war in Gaza, including options in the event a 60-day ceasefire agreement is not reached.

Heated Debate Over Gaza Strategy

During the meeting, tensions boiled over as military leaders voiced skepticism about long-term goals and feasibility. In a frank assessment, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly told the Prime Minister and his cabinet:

“The army cannot control two million people in Gaza.”

The statement reportedly angered Netanyahu, leading to a verbal scolding of his army chief in front of other ministers and officials. Eyewitnesses described the meeting as loud and contentious, with shouting and sharp disagreements on display.

Strategic Divide

The disagreement highlights a growing rift between Israel’s political leadership and the military command over how to proceed with the military operation that has now entered a prolonged and uncertain phase. The army is believed to be pressing for more realistic operational goals, while Netanyahu and some hardline ministers continue to push for broader control or prolonged engagement in the Gaza Strip.

Questions of Control and Ceasefire

Key questions were raised in the meeting, including:

·       What happens if a ceasefire deal is not reached?

·       What are the next steps if fighting continues indefinitely?

·       Can the Israeli military sustain control over a densely populated area with 2 million Palestinians?

These discussions underscore a lack of consensus at the highest levels of Israeli decision-making, even as the war drags on and international pressure mounts for a ceasefire or political solution.

Analysts say the clash is symptomatic of broader strategic confusion within Israel’s leadership over the endgame in Gaza.

 
Tagged:

Israel

netanyahu

gazawar

EyalZamir

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