Edith Hejberg
Israel’s top military official, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has issued a stark warning against fully reoccupying Gaza.
Speaking in a high-level security meeting, Zamir cautioned that such a move would not only endanger Israeli troops but also jeopardize the lives of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu Pushes for Complete Takeover
Despite military concerns, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pushing for the “full conquest” of Gaza.
He plans to present the proposal to Israel’s security cabinet on Thursday, a decision that would mark a dramatic escalation in the nearly two-year-long conflict.
Military vs. Political Divide Deepens
The disagreement highlights a growing rift between Israel’s military and political leadership.
While the IDF has advised pursuing diplomatic channels, Netanyahu and his far-right allies remain focused on aggressive military objectives, aiming to dismantle Hamas entirely.
Zamir’s Alternative Strategy: Encircle Key Areas
Instead of a full invasion, Zamir has proposed a strategy focused on surrounding Gaza City and neighborhoods suspected of harboring hostages.
This, he believes, would be more strategic and sustainable, especially as Israel’s military faces burnout among its reservists.
Gaza Already 75% Under Israeli Control
According to Israeli defense sources, the IDF currently controls around 75% of Gaza. Yet, Zamir has warned that a full military occupation would risk drawing Israeli forces into a prolonged and costly entanglement, reminiscent of past decades.
Far-Right Pressures Mount on Military Leadership
Far-right leaders in Netanyahu’s government are demanding more aggressive action. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly challenged Zamir to confirm he will obey political directives, even if that means carrying out a full-scale conquest.
Netanyahu Meets With Opposition Leader Lapid
In an unusual step, Netanyahu also met with opposition leader Yair Lapid on Wednesday.
After the meeting, Lapid called a Gaza takeover “a very bad idea,” warning that the Israeli public is not united behind such a drastic move.
Public Sentiment Favors Hostage Deal Over War
Polls consistently show that most Israelis prefer ending the war in exchange for the release of the estimated 50 hostages still held in Gaza.
The appetite for continued fighting appears to be waning among the population.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
On Wednesday, Gaza’s health ministry reported its highest death toll in weeks: 138 people killed in 24 hours.
The ongoing conflict has devastated civilian infrastructure and created dire shortages of food, water, and medicine.
Starvation Claims More Lives, Including Children
Hunger continues to ravage Gaza. Five people reportedly died of starvation in the past day, bringing the total to 193 deaths due to malnutrition, nearly half of them children.
Conflicting Reports on Aid Access
COGAT, Israel’s agency managing Gaza aid, says 300 trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday, with help distributed by the UN and other partners.
Hamas-run authorities dispute that figure, claiming only 84 trucks made it through, far short of the 600 daily needed.
International Airdrops Offer Modest Relief
In collaboration with nations including the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Germany, Canada, and Belgium, Israel helped airdrop 110 pallets of aid into Gaza on Tuesday.
Still, humanitarian agencies stress that ground access remains essential for consistent support.
Two Years In, War Shows No Clear Endgame
Nearly two years into the war, Israel’s goals in Gaza remain contested both domestically and abroad. With mounting international pressure for a ceasefire and growing concerns within the military, the next steps could reshape the region’s future.
