Daijiworld Media Network- Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Aug 7: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing strong resistance from within his own defense establishment over a contentious plan to annex remaining parts of Gaza, as tensions escalate within the war cabinet.

According to three Israeli officials familiar with the matter, military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir expressed deep reservations during a tense three-hour meeting on Tuesday. He reportedly warned the Prime Minister that full control of Gaza could entangle the Israeli military in prolonged conflict and jeopardize the lives of hostages still held by Hamas.

Zamir’s caution comes amid reports that Israel already holds control over nearly 75% of the Gaza Strip after nearly two years of ongoing military operations. The war erupted in October 2023 after a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israeli towns, igniting one of the most devastating military campaigns in the region's recent history.

Large swathes of the densely populated coastal enclave have since been reduced to rubble. Schools, hospitals, and places of worship lie in ruins, with the majority of Gaza’s residents displaced multiple times. Humanitarian agencies continue to warn that the population is on the brink of famine, further compounding the crisis.

Despite mounting criticism both domestically and internationally, Netanyahu appears determined to advance his Gaza strategy and is scheduled to hold further discussions with key ministers on Thursday.

The internal pushback adds to the growing debate within Israel’s leadership over how to manage the complex and volatile situation in Gaza, especially with mounting pressure to bring home the remaining hostages and avoid long-term military entanglement.