Jerusalem: Tensions at the top of Israel's leadership escalated sharply, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's son accusing the army chief of plotting a 'mutiny,' while far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pressed him to obey government orders for a possible full reoccupation of the Gaza Strip.
According to Anadolu Agency, Yair Netanyahu leveled the explosive charge at Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir after Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that disagreements between the premier and senior generals over plans to retake Gaza had reached 'boiling point.' Yair's accusation, likening the situation to a military coup reminiscent of 'banana republics in the 1970s,' was made in response to a military analyst's call for Netanyahu to explain the costs of a potential reoccupation move.
Only hours later, Ben-Gvir demanded Zamir publicly affirm his loyalty to Netanyahu's leadership, emphasizing that the chief of staff must comply with political instructions, even if it means occupying Gaza. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also urged the army chief to express his opinion on the Gaza reoccupation to the political leadership.
The discord comes as Channel 12 reported Netanyahu's decision, backed by the US, to push ahead with a full-scale reoccupation of Gaza, targeting areas believed to hold Israeli captives. Meanwhile, the army lifted an emergency measure extending regular soldiers' service, signaling a winding down of the ground operation that began on May 17.
Yedioth Ahronoth highlighted the pullback as a reflection of the belief among many in the army that the war effectively ended months ago. The debate over Gaza reoccupation was further fueled by US President Donald Trump's recent comments on Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, which he called a 'mistake.'
As political and military leaders prepare to discuss 'options' for Gaza following the collapse of indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas, the Israeli army continues its offensive on Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties and devastation. The ongoing conflict has drawn international scrutiny, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza, and Israel facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.