Jerusalem — A deep rift has emerged between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country’s military leadership as preparations intensify for a major ground assault on Gaza City.
According to senior officials, Israel’s Chief of Staff, General Eyal Zamir, confronted Netanyahu during a recent security cabinet meeting, warning that expanding the campaign could endanger the lives of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas and expose Israeli soldiers to unnecessary risk. The general also raised alarms about the scale of civilian casualties likely to result from a full offensive in densely populated neighborhoods.
Despite the pushback, Netanyahu has continued to advocate for a decisive strike, arguing that Hamas cannot be left with any strongholds in Gaza. His stance has heightened tensions inside Israel’s leadership, where differences over war strategy are increasingly playing out in public.
On the ground, Israel has intensified operations in Gaza City, with airstrikes and troop movements reported in areas such as Sheikh Radwan. Palestinian health officials say dozens of civilians have been killed in the latest wave of attacks, including those sheltering in schools and hospitals.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of reservists have been called up to join the campaign. While many have reported for duty, others have voiced resistance, citing exhaustion and moral objections. The mobilization drive aims to deploy up to 40,000 troops for what could become one of the most extensive ground offensives of the war.
The escalating conflict has also drawn sharp criticism from the international community, with humanitarian agencies warning of a worsening crisis in Gaza as the fighting intensifies.
The growing split between Israel’s political leadership and its military command marks a rare moment of open dissent within the country’s security establishment, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the war.
