Jerusalem.- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed his support on Tuesday for the Chief of Staff of the Army, Eyal Zamir, amid growing tension within the Government over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intention to completely occupy the Gaza Strip, including the areas where hostages are believed to be held.
“The Chief of Staff must express his professional opinion clearly and unequivocally to the political leadership,” Saar affirmed, who emphasized that Zamir “is not obliged to clarify the subordination of the military leadership to the decisions of the Government, as this is evident, especially for someone who has served the country in uniform for decades.”
According to The Times of Israel, the opposition from the armed forces lies in the concern about the impact that a full offensive could have on the hostages, especially after, in August 2024, six captives were executed by Palestinian militias following the advance of the troops. In addition, they believe that dismantling Hamas's structure could take years.
During a meeting with the Israeli press, Netanyahu's spokesman assured that
"the die is cast: we are going to completely occupy the Gaza Strip," with operations even in areas where there are hostages, and warned that if the Chief of Staff does not agree, "he should resign."
Saar's statements contrast with those of the far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, who demanded that the head of the Army "make it clear with his voice that he will fully comply with the instructions of the political leadership, even if it is decided to occupy and defeat" Hamas.
Although official sources consulted by EFE assured that Netanyahu had convened a meeting of the security cabinet for this Tuesday to address the military expansion in Gaza, some Israeli media indicate that finally today only a security consultation will be held with the Chief of Staff, Eyla Zamir, who has opposed the total occupation plan proposed by the Israeli leader.
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