Top Israeli General Eyal Zamir Clashes with Netanyahu over Gaza Strategy

 

Eyal Zamir, Israel’s Chief of Staff, has emerged as a strong voice against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed full-scale takeover of Gaza. In a tense meeting with Netanyahu, Zamir warned that such a move could endanger hostages still held in the territory and entangle an already fatigued Israeli military in prolonged urban warfare. Despite his objections, Zamir made it clear that he would follow orders if given.

Zamir defended his right to speak openly, calling internal debate essential to Israeli military tradition. He emphasized the army’s current capability to reshape security realities along the border and reaffirmed its aim to defeat Hamas while prioritizing the safety of hostages. Zamir’s tough image, however, is viewed differently by Palestinians, especially for his role in the 2018 Gaza protests where over 150 people were killed under his command.

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He now walks a political tightrope: opposing a strategy he does not fully support, yet leading an army under pressure from both leadership and an increasingly critical international audience.

Zamir’s long military career, which began in 1984 in Israel’s tank units, has included commanding key units and shaping army doctrine. He was Netanyahu’s military secretary and later rose through the ranks to become deputy chief of staff and, in 2025, the IDF’s top commander. Unlike some other officials, he was not blamed for the October 7 Hamas attack, which severely dented Israel’s sense of security and leadership credibility.

Under Zamir, the IDF has launched aggressive operations in Gaza and scored major military successes against Hezbollah and Iranian targets, bolstering his image at home. In a recent poll, public trust in Zamir stood at 68 percent, far above Netanyahu’s 40 percent. However, international criticism over the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to grow.

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Zamir's challenge lies in balancing military effectiveness with ethical responsibility, all while managing political friction especially with far-right ministers demanding harsher tactics. As the war grinds on, the tension between Israel’s military leadership and political decision-makers appears more visible than ever, with Zamir caught at the heart of it.