“Israel” orders army to execute govt decisions on Gaza

“Israel's” military will have to execute any government decisions on Gaza, the defence minister said Wednesday after reported disagreements over the prospect of a full occupation of the Palestinian territory.

As the war nears its 23rd month, signs of a rift over “Israel's” strategy have emerged with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu preparing to announce a new plan.

He has said “Israel” must "complete" the defeat of Hamas in order to secure the release of captives still held in Gaza since October 2023.

The “Israeli” press, citing officials speaking on condition of anonymity, has predicted an escalation of operations, including in densely populated areas where captives are believed to be held, such as Gaza City and refugee camps.

On Wednesday, the military issued a fresh evacuation call for parts of Gaza City, in the north, and Khan Yunis in the south, where a spokesman said ground troops were preparing to "expand the scope of combat operations".

Media reports in “Israel” have said Netanyahu and his cabinet may order a full military occupation of Gaza, allegedly sparking dissension from armed forces chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu held a three-hour meeting with security chiefs including Zamir to discuss options for the continuation of the war, the premier's office said in a statement.

At the meeting, Zamir warned that a full occupation would be like "walking into a trap", public broadcaster Kan reported.

Channel 12 television said the armed forces chief suggested alternatives to a full occupation, such as encircling specific areas where Hamas fighters are believed to be hunkering down.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a post on X that while "it is the right and duty of the chief of staff to express his position in the appropriate forums", the military is bound by any decisions made by the government.

"Once decisions are made by the political echelon, the IDF will execute them with determination and professionalism," Katz said.

Trump says “up to Israel”

Netanyahu is expected to convene his security cabinet on Thursday to finalise a decision on the expansion of the offensive, “Israeli” media reported.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid said he told Netanyahu in a Wednesday meeting that "occupying Gaza is a very bad idea... operationally, morally and economically".

US President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday he was not aware of plans to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, but said that such a decision would be "up to Israel".

The “Israeli” government is under growing pressure to bring the war to an end, with mounting concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and increasing alarm among “Israelis “about the fate of the remaining captives.

Out of 251 captives seized during Hamas's 2023 attack, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 the “Israeli” military says are dead.