Generals clash as Zamir opposes Netanyahu's humanitarian city plan for Gaza

In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has encountered significant resistance from Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir regarding military strategies. While Netanyahu advocates for the establishment of a humanitarian city intended for Gaza civilians, Zamir pushes for a more aggressive military stance, advocating the capture of additional territory within the Gaza Strip. This disagreement has surfaced amidst Israel's Operation Gideon’s Chariots, an extensive military campaign that has been under way for months aimed at dismantling Hamas. Zamir's strategy involves extending control beyond the current 65% that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintain in the region, prioritizing key routes and tightening siege-like measures around the area to pressure Hamas, which the general believes will ultimately lead to their collapse and aid in securing the release of hostages held by the group. Critics of Netanyahu's humanitarian city proposal have raised concerns about its practicality and the potential implications for the civilian population, fearing that it could effectively amount to a forced population transfer. As discussions unfold, Netanyahu has imposed restrictions on the cabinet from exploring Zamir's military plan, opting first to exhaust diplomatic efforts towards a cease-fire and hostage negotiations before reassessing military options. Given the volatile nature of the situation in Gaza, the IDF has also signaled that should negotiations falter, preparations for intensified military actions would be necessary to address ongoing threats posed by Hamas as well as to safeguard national security.