Division Within Israeli Leadership Over Gaza.. Zamir Opposes Netanyahu's Plan

SadaNews - Today, Tuesday, the attention of political and security circles in Israel is directed towards the anticipated meeting of the Israeli government, where the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Occupation Army, Eyal Zamir, is expected to present an assessment of the cost of maintaining a long-term Israeli military presence in the Gaza Strip.

According to what was reported by the newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth", Israeli sources indicated that Zamir strongly opposes the implementation of a new ground maneuver or the adoption of an additional expansion plan within the strip, asserting that such a step would exhaust the army's forces without achieving tangible results.

Military estimates suggest that carrying out an intensive combat operation in Gaza could extend for months and would require the involvement of at least 6 combat brigades in Hamas strongholds west of Gaza City, areas that have not witnessed Israeli military activity for nearly a year.

This position comes at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is signaling a significant escalation, which could lead to a large-scale military operation that includes complete control over the Gaza Strip, amid stalled indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges that have reached a deadlock, according to Israeli Channel 12.

The newspaper also reported that sources close to Netanyahu indicated that the decision to occupy the Palestinian territory entirely has become almost certain, confirming that the operations would also include areas where hostages are being held, adding that if Zamir rejects this plan, "he can resign".

Conversely, the newspaper "Maariv" reported that other sources denied that Netanyahu had made a final decision regarding the continuation of operations in Gaza, considering that what is being circulated is merely leaks that do not yet reflect an official position.