The Power Struggle: Leaks and Accusations Mark the Netanyahu-Zamira Feud Over Gaza Control

Last week witnessed an unprecedented clash in the Israeli political and military arena, as a fierce dispute erupted between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The public confrontation, reported by the "Financial Times," centers on Netanyahu's plan to establish full control over the Gaza Strip, a move Zamir strongly opposes.

The "coordinated leaks," as the newspaper described them, revealed a direct exchange of accusations between the two parties. While Netanyahu insists on his plan to extend Israeli control to the entire Gaza Strip, Zamir believes this approach will exhaust the Israeli military and endanger the lives of Israeli hostages. The situation escalated to the point where Netanyahu's son accused the military chief of attempting a "coup," reflecting the deep-seated nature of the crisis.

The tension came to a head during a ten-hour security cabinet meeting, where Netanyahu used his authority to order the military to "prepare" for full control of Gaza City, disregarding the army's warnings. Netanyahu rejected Zamir's alternative plan, which was based on targeted military operations, calling it a "surrender" that would not achieve the war's objectives. Despite his objections, Zamir later announced that the army would carry out the plan in the "best possible way."

This confrontation highlights serious internal divisions in Israel, as tensions between political and military leaders escalate, threatening to deepen the crisis at a time when Israel faces increasing international isolation. Analysts suggest that Netanyahu is seeking to use the military for political gain, a concern shared by former security officials who note that things have "changed tectonically" in Israel.

According to the "New York Times," the tension was so high that Netanyahu's aides even searched former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi for listening devices before he entered briefings. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's far-right allies are pushing for full control of Gaza and the expulsion of Palestinians, while former and current military leaders argue that Hamas has become a "depleted force" and that Israel is in a strong enough position to accept a ceasefire.