IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir approved the central concept and plans for the IDF’s expanded offensive in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the military announced.
The discussion led by Zamir also included officials from Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and other senior defense leaders.
The Israeli security cabinet has approved a plan to completely dismantle and take control of Gaza City. As negotiations for a hostage exchange continue, the most promising way to recover the hostages seems to be through intensified military operations by the Israel Defense Forces.
Hamas is believed to have rebuilt rocket launch and ambush positions in Gaza City while simultaneously replenishing its weapons caches.
Tensions between Netanyahu and Zamir reportedly reached a boiling point during the meeting. Netanyahu insists that increased military pressure and the capture of Gaza City are essential to secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. Meanwhile, Lt.-Gen Zamir expresses concern over the IDF’s battle fatigue and believes that military action alone will not achieve this goal.
Netanyahu stated, “We need to change the approach taken so far; only then will we be able to free the hostages.”
Zamir issued a strong caution, warning that this situation could potentially develop into a complex strategic trap that might be difficult to escape from.