The Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Eyal Zamir, stated that the military leadership will continue to express its position “without fear,” as well as “objectively, independently, and professionally” following the criticism directed at him for his rejection of the possible occupation of Gaza that Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to promote.
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This Thursday, in an interview with Fox News, the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed his intention to take military control of Gaza, although he stated that after eliminating Hamas, he would hand over administration to a group of “Arab forces.”
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What did the IDF chief say about the occupation of Gaza?
“We will continue to act with responsibility, integrity, and determination, prioritizing only the good of the State and its security,” Zamir asserted this Thursday during a meeting with senior military officials in statements published by the Israeli Army.
The Chief of the General Staff said that the “culture of disagreement is an inseparable part of the history of the people of Israel... It is a vital component of the organization of the Defense Forces, both internally and externally” and added that “it is not about theory”, but about “life or death issues and the defense of the State”.
In the last few hours, tension has grown within the cabinet and the military leadership over the possibility of Netanyahu announcing a possible plan to fully occupy Gaza, a measure rejected by Zamir due to the situation of the hostages who are still being held captive by Hamas.
Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, came out to defend the Chief of the Army, arguing that “it is a right and a duty of the Chief of the General Staff to express his opinion”.
Controversial accusations from Netanyahu’s son
In one of the last meetings between Benjamin Netanyahu and Eyal Zamir, personal tensions arose fueled by a post on social network X made by the prime minister’s son.
Although he does not hold any official position, Yair Netanyahu, who lives in Miami, accused Zamir of promoting a “rebellion” and a “coup” within the military establishment, akin to a “banana republic” from the 70s.
According to the public broadcaster Kan, Zamir directly confronted Netanyahu in a meeting, questioning the verbal attack: “Why are you attacking me? Why are you speaking against me in the midst of a war?” The Prime Minister responded that he would not accept threats of resignation as a form of pressure, adding that “my son is 33 years old, he is an adult.”