Israel’s Military Chief Opposes Full Gaza Takeover Amid Escalating Tensions

Published: August 7, 2025, 14:00

Israel’s top military leader has warned against a complete military occupation of Gaza, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers ordering a full-scale conquest of the territory. The stark warning highlights rising divisions between Israel’s military leadership and political authorities over how to proceed with the ongoing conflict.

Military Chief Raises Alarm Over Gaza Invasion Risks

According to three Israeli officials familiar with internal discussions, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir voiced strong concerns during a high-level security meeting on Tuesday evening. Zamir reportedly argued that fully conquering Gaza would endanger Israeli hostages, overextend military resources, and risk long-term entanglement in the territory.

Sources say Zamir’s proposed strategy involves surrounding key areas such as Gaza City—where remaining hostages may be held—instead of launching a direct assault into densely populated neighborhoods. The general emphasized that Israeli forces are already strained by attrition and burnout, particularly among reservists.

Netanyahu, however, is said to be pushing for a more aggressive approach and is expected to bring his plan for a full conquest of Gaza before the security cabinet later this week.

Widening Rift Between Israel’s Military and Political Leadership

This latest dispute reflects broader tensions between Israel’s military command and its far-right political leadership. While military officials have urged a more diplomatic resolution to the conflict, Netanyahu’s government has prioritized continued military pressure on Hamas.

The Israeli military claims it currently controls around 75% of Gaza following nearly two years of sustained military operations. Despite this, Hamas remains active, and hostilities continue. Lt. Gen. Zamir warned that a full occupation could drag Israeli forces into a prolonged and costly campaign—one Israel disengaged from two decades ago.

The far-right political establishment, including Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, has dismissed Zamir’s warnings. Ben-Gvir called on the military chief to publicly declare his willingness to obey political decisions, including any order for a full conquest.

Opposition Voices Caution as Hostage Crisis Continues

Following his meeting with Netanyahu, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also voiced opposition to the proposed Gaza takeover. “You don’t embark on such a move unless most of the nation is behind you,” Lapid stated in a video message. “The people of Israel are not interested in this war—we will pay too heavy a price for it.”

Public sentiment appears to support Lapid’s concerns. Recent polls show a majority of Israelis would prefer a ceasefire deal to secure the release of roughly 50 remaining hostages believed to be held in Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Across Gaza

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. On Wednesday, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 138 deaths in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day toll in recent weeks. Five people reportedly died from starvation, bringing the total deaths from hunger to 193, including 96 children.

A United Nations report highlighted that only 1.5% of Gaza’s farmland remains accessible and undamaged, significantly exacerbating food shortages. Aid organizations have raised alarm over the inadequate delivery of food, water, and medical supplies into the war-torn enclave.

Aid Distribution Network Under Fire

Central to the aid debate is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid network backed by the United States and Israel. The GHF was created as an alternative to UN-led efforts, amid Israeli concerns that UN aid was being diverted to Hamas.

However, a recent U.S. government review found no widespread evidence of aid theft by Hamas, contradicting earlier claims made by the State Department. The United Nations has refused to participate in the GHF, citing concerns that the network violates humanitarian principles.

UN officials say more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to access food, many near GHF distribution sites. While the GHF disputes this figure, independent reports and videos show chaotic conditions, including Israeli soldiers firing at civilians during aid deliveries.

Calls Mount for GHF Shutdown

This week, multiple UN experts called for the immediate dismantling of the GHF, warning that it has failed to provide meaningful relief and has contributed to civilian deaths. Despite the mounting criticism, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee defended the initiative.

In an interview with Fox News, Huckabee stated that the GHF would expand from four to 16 sites and begin operating 24 hours a day. “The president has been telling us he wants food in the hands of hungry people, but in a way that it doesn’t get into the hands of Hamas,” Huckabee said. “That’s exactly what we did when we stood up GHF.”

CNN has reached out to the GHF for comment on Huckabee’s remarks.

Disputes Over Aid Access Continue

The Israeli agency COGAT reported that nearly 300 aid trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday, with deliveries facilitated by the UN and international partners including the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Germany, Canada, and Belgium. COGAT also confirmed that 110 aid pallets were airdropped into Gaza the same day.

However, Gaza’s Hamas-run Media Office disputed these figures, stating that only 84 trucks entered the enclave and reiterating that at least 600 trucks are needed daily to meet basic needs.

Outlook: War Strategy at a Crossroads

As Netanyahu’s government considers a dramatic expansion of the war in Gaza, Israeli society faces critical questions about the path forward. With internal divisions widening, humanitarian suffering deepening, and international pressure growing, the next decisions by Israel’s leadership could determine the region’s trajectory for years to come.