Full occupation of Gaza on the table despite military's opposition
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Sources say Netanyahu seeks full occupation of Gaza, while "Israel's" chief of staff warns against long-term presence, citing risks to troops and advantages for Hamas.
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Israeli soldiers drive on their armored personnel carrier back from inside the northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP)
Sources close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a decision has been made to move toward a complete military occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to Channel 14. The sources added, “If the Chief of Staff is not on board, he can resign.”
During a briefing reported by Kan 11 broadcaster, Netanyahu’s office conveyed that the prime minister is determined to fully occupy the Gaza Strip in order to "settle the conflict with Hamas." Ministers in the Israeli government reportedly said the security cabinet is expected to convene soon to finalize the decision.
Internal rift: Chief of staff opposes full occupation
A senior official from Netanyahu’s office told Channel 12 that “Hamas will not release any more captives without full surrender. If we don't act now, the hostages will die of hunger, and Gaza will remain under Hamas control.”
However, a political source countered that “no final decision has been made yet,” and that the authority to decide lies with the cabinet, according to Channel 14.
Earlier in the day, Israeli Army Radio confirmed that tensions between Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the political leadership have reached a peak. Zamir is reportedly demanding strategic clarity on the direction of the war on Gaza.
According to the station, Halevi is pushing for a prisoner deal, indicating a willingness to show flexibility to achieve it.
Zamir warns against prolonged occupation of Gaza
In closed discussions, Zamir warned that a long-term ground presence in the Gaza Strip would endanger Israeli forces, serve Hamas' interests, and increase the army’s attrition.
Faced with the current situation, the military is expected to present the political leadership with two options in the absence of a deal:
- Full occupation of the Gaza Strip, an option opposed by the military leadership
- Siege and attrition, the preferred approach of the military command
Read more: Gaza war 'could have ended long ago', ex-IOF admit, urging ceasefire
