Netanyahu's push for Gaza occupation ignites tensions in 'Israel'
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Netanyahu backs full Gaza occupation despite military warnings, sparking cabinet tensions and fears for captives held by the Palestinian Resistance.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, surrounded by ministers from the government, attends a session of the Knesset, al-Quds, Monday, July 14, 2025. (AP)
During a Tuesday meeting with top security officials to finalize Gaza war strategy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly endorsed a military takeover of the entire enclave despite acknowledging the potential risk to remaining captives held by the Palestinian Resistance.
The prime minister’s office released a short statement confirming that Netanyahu had conducted a restricted security consultation lasting approximately three hours, during which the IOF Chief of Staff outlined potential operational scenarios for advancing the war in Gaza. “The IOF is prepared to implement any decision made by the security cabinet,” the statement added.
Multiple Israeli media sources reported that the meeting sought to finalize a proposal for a wider cabinet discussion planned later this week.
Tuesday’s meeting included Security Minister Israel Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and IOF Operations Directorate head Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen. Meanwhile, far-right Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both vocal proponents of "Israel’s" full invasion of Gaza, were notably excluded, according to Israel Hayom.
An unnamed source told the Kan public broadcaster after the meeting that Netanyahu strongly favors occupying Gaza, with similar reports from Israeli outlets Ynet and i24 News citing anonymous sources.
Netanyahu, IOF chief clash over Gaza occupation plan
The meeting occurred as multiple reports surfaced about growing disagreements between the prime minister and IOF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, regarding the potential full military occupation of Gaza.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that the decision to occupy Gaza will be presented to the security cabinet during an upcoming Thursday session, following Netanyahu's completion of an extended security discussion in his office about future military operations in the territory.
However, the disagreement between Netanyahu and the Chief of Staff dominated today's security consultations, with Israeli public broadcaster Kan reporting that Zamir warned Netanyahu about "a trap in Gaza."
Zamir's plans fail to satisfy Netanyahu
According to sources, the Chief of Staff refused Netanyahu's request to re-present his Gaza occupation plan to the security cabinet, stating it had already been submitted, which angered Netanyahu and prompted him to end the discussion by demanding Zamir "improve the plan and resubmit it."
During the exchange, Zamir referenced the media attacks against him, to which Netanyahu responded with a warning, "I won't accept resignation threats every time your plans get rejected."
According to sources cited by Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, during the meeting, Zamir presented a detailed assessment of military options in Gaza, explicitly expressing his opposition to occupying the territory while emphasizing that "the army will carry out any decision made by the political leadership."
The Jerusalem Post quoted a source as saying that Zamir "opposes a full occupation of Gaza, though that doesn't mean he won't execute the decision if approved."
Channel 13 reported that Netanyahu told Zamir the political leadership alone determines Gaza occupation policy, with the Chief of Staff countering that a full occupation would represent a strategic trap and pose dangers to captives.
Channel 12 reported that, amid growing speculation about preparations for a full-scale invasion of Gaza, opposition leader Yair Lapid will meet with Netanyahu tomorrow to discuss the latest security developments.
Israeli opposition leaders sound the alarm
Israeli opposition leaders have stood up to the decision to fully occupy Gaza, arguing that it risks the lives of the Israeli captives and puts further burdens on "Israel".
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has cautioned that Netanyahu's alleged proposal for a complete military occupation of Gaza not only threatens the safety of remaining Israeli captives but would also impose lasting financial burdens on Israeli taxpayers by forcing "Israel" to govern Gaza's Palestinian population.
“The direction in which the cabinet and government are heading will lead to all the captives dying, of hunger, beatings and torture, or being killed during IOF operations,” Lapid sharply stated.
Democratic Party leader Yair Golan called on Army Chief Eyal Zamir to resist mounting pressure and avoid resigning, writing on X: "Do not quit. Stand firm against the political leadership that is pulling us into an endless war in Gaza."
Israel Beiteinu Party leader Avigdor Lieberman stated on KAN public broadcaster that Zamir remains the only rational Cabinet voice, asserting, "Netanyahu does not care about the hostages or the soldiers. He only seeks to prolong the war out of sheer lust for power."
