Defense Minister of Israel Engages in Dispute with Military Leader Regarding Personnel Assignments
In the heart of the ongoing Gaza conflict, a significant rift has emerged between Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, and the Military Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The disagreement centres around the war strategy and military appointments.
Katz has been vocal in his criticism of Zamir, particularly concerning the planned gradual occupation of Gaza, including the takeover of Gaza City. Zamir, however, has maintained his stance against the expansion plan, even during the security cabinet meeting, which has raised questions among Netanyahu’s supporters about his loyalty to the government’s approach. In response, Zamir reaffirmed his commitment to express independent and professional views, despite the pressure.
Despite the ongoing tension, on August 20, 2025, Katz approved the IDF’s operational plan for taking over Gaza City, named "Gideon's Chariots II." This plan, presented by Zamir and the military leadership, suggests that the military chief remains involved in planning the offensive operations in Gaza under Katz’s authorization.
The disagreements centre around the next steps in the military operation aimed at freeing the remaining hostages and defeating Hamas. Zamir, who was appointed in March, has stated that he would continue expressing the military's position "without fear, in a pragmatic, independent, and professional manner."
The Israeli army currently controls around 75 percent of the Palestinian territory, which has been devastated by 22 months of war. However, the details of the Israeli military's control of Gaza and the extent of the devastation to the Palestinian territory due to the war were not previously mentioned.
The reported disagreement between Defense Minister Katz and Lieutenant General Zamir regarding the next steps in the military operation in Gaza is ongoing. Moreover, Katz has made it clear that he does not intend to discuss or approve any of the appointments or names that were published, as these appointments were made without prior coordination or agreement with him.
This tension at the top levels of Israel’s defense and political command underscores the complexities and fractures that characterise the Gaza war escalation.
[1] Source: Israeli media reports [2] Source: Defense Minister Israel Katz's statement
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