Israel, tension between government and army: the moves of Netanyahu

Tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have escalated significantly in August 2025, primarily over his push for a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip. This rift, centered around strategic disagreements and political pressures, has been widely reported and reflects a broader divide between Israel’s political leadership and its military establishment.

Key Points of Tension:

1. Netanyahu’s Plan for Gaza Occupation:

• Netanyahu has advocated for a complete military takeover of Gaza, aiming to dismantle remaining Hamas strongholds, particularly in Gaza City, the central camps, and Al-Mawasi. He argues this is necessary to “free Gaza” from Hamas, demilitarize the territory, and establish Israeli security control while installing a non-Israeli civilian administration.
• The Israeli security cabinet approved plans to target these areas, with Netanyahu claiming that 70-75% of Gaza is already under IDF control and that the operation would conclude swiftly.
• This move comes amid stalled ceasefire and hostage negotiations, with Netanyahu asserting that military pressure is the only way to secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages (at least 20 believed to be alive) held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attack.

1. Military Opposition:

• IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has openly opposed the full occupation plan, warning it could be a “strategic blunder” that endangers hostages, exhausts the army, and risks a humanitarian crisis. Zamir advocates for a more restrained approach, such as encircling Gaza City for targeted operations to minimize civilian casualties and protect hostages.
• Zamir’s concerns include the IDF’s overextension, given that it already controls 75% of Gaza after 22 months of war. He has highlighted soldier burnout, reserve strain, and the operational risks of urban combat in densely populated areas.
• In a symbolic act of restraint, Zamir canceled a planned trip to a U.S. CENTCOM ceremony and reduced the size of the standing army by reversing a wartime order extending reserve duties, signaling opposition to a large-scale invasion.

1. Public and Personal Clashes:

• Tensions were exacerbated by an unprecedented personal attack from Netanyahu’s son, Yair, who accused Zamir of staging a “rebellion and attempted military coup” from his residence in Miami. This provoked a direct confrontation during a security meeting, where Zamir challenged Netanyahu over the attack, to which the prime minister deflected responsibility, noting Yair is a “grown man.”
• Defense Minister Israel Katz, while affirming the military’s duty to follow government orders, reprimanded Zamir for making appointments without approval, further highlighting the strained civil-military relationship.

1. Domestic and International Backlash:

• Domestically, families of hostages and opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, have criticized Netanyahu’s plan, fearing it endangers hostages and lacks public support. Protests in Tel Aviv and calls for a general strike reflect growing dissent, with groups like the association of Israeli air force reserve and retired pilots demanding an end to the “futile war.”
• Internationally, allies like Germany, Canada, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have curtailed arms shipments to Israel, citing humanitarian concerns. The UN has warned of “catastrophic consequences” if the offensive expands, pointing to Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation, with over 61,000 deaths and widespread hunger reported.

1. Political Motivations:

• Netanyahu’s push aligns with demands from his far-right coalition partners, such as Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who have long advocated for total control of Gaza. Critics argue this reflects Netanyahu’s need to maintain coalition stability amid political pressures, including investigations and resignations within his cabinet.
• Some analysts suggest Netanyahu’s strategy lacks a clear long-term plan and may prioritize his political survival over military or humanitarian considerations.

Context and Implications:

• The war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 and took 251 hostages, has strained Israel’s military resources and international standing. The IDF’s reluctance to fully occupy Gaza stems from lessons learned during its 2005 withdrawal and the current war’s toll, including 61,400 Palestinian deaths (per Gaza’s Health Ministry) and 200 malnutrition-related deaths.
• Zamir’s actions, such as scaling back forces, suggest a military bracing for political friction while prioritizing operational sustainability. However, Netanyahu’s insistence on escalation risks deepening the divide, potentially undermining military morale and public trust.
• The public airing of these disagreements, coupled with Yair Netanyahu’s inflammatory remarks, has raised concerns about leadership cohesion, with opposition leaders warning of operational risks if the military feels unsupported.

Conclusion:

Netanyahu’s aggressive push for Gaza’s occupation, driven by political pressures and a stated goal of defeating Hamas, has sparked a significant rift with the IDF, particularly with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The military’s warnings about strategic and humanitarian risks contrast with Netanyahu’s insistence, fueled by his far-right coalition, creating a volatile dynamic. Domestic protests, international condemnation, and personal attacks, such as Yair Netanyahu’s, further complicate the situation, highlighting a leadership crisis at a critical juncture in the conflict. For the latest updates, checking credible sources like The Times of Israel or international outlets like PBS is advisable, as the situation is evolving rapidly.