Tensions and disputes in the Israeli cabinet over the Gaza war

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, warnings by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir — that an escalation of the war could endanger Israeli captives — provoked anger from Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security, and Bezalel Smotrich, Finance Minister.

During the debate, Smotrich accused the army of failure, stating that the cabinet had approved a plan for the military to prevent Hamas from accessing humanitarian aid, but the army failed to implement it.

He told Zamir: "We want to retrieve the captives, but we’re not willing to give up all of Israel."

Meanwhile, Ben-Gvir also attacked the military's performance, saying: "The plans presented were completely different from what’s happening on the ground. The army needs to move forward, and our strategy must change — focusing on encouraging migration and halting all humanitarian aid."

Ben-Gvir told Zamir: "Never in history has a war been held back because of the presence of captives."

In response to the criticism, Zamir replied: "This is the most complex war we've faced. There's a contradiction between rescuing the captives and expanding the ground invasion. We're putting the captives at risk."

Zamir added: "The army currently controls 75% of the Gaza Strip."

However, some ministers objected, saying that during Operation Gideon's Chariots, the goal was to control 75%, yet now only 50% of Gaza is under Israeli control.

Ben-Gvir continued his criticism: "Soldiers are in danger because they’re standing still and not advancing."

Zamir warned: "Controlling 1.5 million people is extremely difficult. They are accustomed to collective action and can pose a threat to our forces."