Occupation of Gaza fuels unprecedented clash between Israel’s military and political leaders

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to approve the plan to occupy the Gaza Strip has escalated tensions between his cabinet and the military leadership of the regime.

At the same time, it has revealed new cracks within the upper echelons of the Israeli army and has strained relations with reserve forces who have been called up for the most dangerous phase of the war.

According to Israeli media reports, a week filled with leaks and public mutual accusations has laid bare the split between the political leaders and the top military command of the regime.

Yagil Levy, head of the Institute for Civil-Military Relations in the occupied territories, said: “This is the most severe crisis in the history of relations between the political echelon and the Israeli army since the 1948 war, and never before has the political leadership forced the army to carry out an operation it strongly opposes.”

In the seven days leading up to the critical meeting of the Israeli security cabinet—in which the Gaza occupation plan was approved—IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir repeatedly voiced his concerns about fully occupying the area, warning that such an action would drag Israel into a “black hole” of prolonged insurgency, humanitarian responsibility, and greater risk to prisoners.

Zamir’s opposition sparked a political storm, with Netanyahu’s son accusing the Chief of Staff of rebellion.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called on the Chief of Staff to clearly declare that, even if the decision to occupy Gaza is made, he will fully comply with the political leadership’s directives. Some Israeli media reports suggested that Zamir might resign.

During the war, the Israeli military and intelligence leadership had already been shaken by a series of high-level resignations: former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar were both maneuvered into stepping down.

Senior commanders, along with top figures in military intelligence and Shin Bet, have resigned.

Analysts warn that the confrontation between the military command and the cabinet could have irreparable consequences for public support for the Israeli regime.

Dissatisfaction also appears to have spread to the army ranks; an increasing number of soldiers, disillusioned by the Gaza war, are refusing to return to the battlefield.