Disputes Between Netanyahu’s Government and the Israeli Army Over Expanding Operations in Gaza

Despite recent media reports suggesting that the Israeli Chief of Staff informed the political leadership that the army has “exhausted combat operations in Gaza”, statements from U.S. officials and opposition figures in Tel Aviv reflect various contradictions. While Washington continues its full and unwavering support for Tel Aviv’s governments—as seen in the statements of the U.S. envoy to the Middle East after his visit to Tel Aviv, where he affirmed that the U.S. is working with the Israeli government on a plan for the “reconstruction of Gaza,” which would bring the war to an end—he also claimed there is no famine in Gaza, as if those dying in the Strip have the luxury of choice, opting to leave our peaceful world hungry and displaced from their land of their own volition.

Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza, stating that Israel cannot continue a war that lacks public support.

And as if to give further proof of blatant bias in favor of the occupation entity and its governments, the U.S. ambassador to Israel made fresh statements to Fox News, claiming that no country in the world, including the United States, takes the measures that Israel does to minimize civilian casualties. It’s as if the envoy from the occupying state is speaking from Saturn, completely oblivious to the ongoing military campaign known as “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” and to the growing public anger in the Israeli street over the continuation of military operations without clear results.

In contrast to this U.S. bias, the international community has—albeit belatedly—started to show some support for international humanitarian law and opposition to Netanyahu’s ongoing violations against humanity.

Although the international community has yet to forcefully address Israel’s systematic dismemberment of Gaza, genocidal war tactics, blockade of humanitarian aid, and attacks on aid convoys, the U.S. ambassador in Tel Aviv seems to operate in a galaxy of his own. He claims Israel is doing its utmost to ensure aid delivery and limit civilian losses—without even mentioning human casualties directly. Instead, he uses the term “civilian losses” to further entrench his shameless bias in favor of the occupation, which not only terrorizes civilians in Gaza, but also strikes Syrian territories and continues air raids on Lebanon. It’s as if this man is watching an alternate reality, broadcast to him by settler satellites, not real news channels. The collective memory of those biased toward the occupier seems to blind them to the fact that history spares no one—and reality eventually exposes falsehood.

Just yesterday, The Washington Post published a brief report noting that despite repeated claims by President Biden of having provided $60 million in food aid to Gaza, in reality the U.S. has only delivered $3 million, according to the report. This comes as Trump recently announced plans to establish food distribution centers in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs published a report stating that Netanyahu is undermining Trump’s efforts for a regional agreement, due to his insistence on ending Hamas rule and refusing to relinquish control over Gaza and the West Bank. While Trump seeks a comprehensive peace deal, his unconditional support for Israel undercuts this goal—especially amid widespread Arab rejection of forced displacement and growing calls for a sovereign Palestinian state.

Returning to Yair Lapid’s demand for an immediate ceasefire, we find that the leader of the Democratic Party, Yair Golan, also stated last week that the declarations by several countries of their intent to recognize a Palestinian state represent a significant failure for Netanyahu. He emphasized that the coalition government is prolonging the war, abandoning the “hostages,” and causing a humanitarian crisis, while the world is beginning to act without Israel.

With more than one “Yair” in the opposition camp, Golan continued his criticism of the far-right government, saying that Netanyahu is surrendering to Finance Minister Smotrich and National Security Minister Ben Gvir, while leaving defense to Defense Minister Gallant—rather than forming alliances with international partners.

Criticism has also come from military ranks. Former Northern Command leader Major General (Res.) Amiram Levin publicly denounced the government’s policy toward Gaza’s civilians, calling its orders on opening fire a “war crime,” amid growing warnings about army exhaustion. Maariv newspaper highlighted that continued fighting in Gaza will have long-term impacts on the army, especially on front-line units.

Alongside calls for a comprehensive deal followed by military action, Israel is now in a state of anticipation over decisive decisions about the war. According to Channel 12, Israel is heading into a critical week during which strategic decisions could redefine the course of the war. A recent poll by the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies showed that 61% of the public believes that military operations in Gaza will not lead to the hostages’ return, while 52% blame the government for obstructing a deal.

To add an extra layer of extremism, Ben Gvir led a mass incursion into Al-Aqsa Mosque. Channel 7 reported that nearly 2,000 Jews entered Al-Aqsa last Sunday amid fears of rising tensions in Jerusalem. Ben Gvir also made incendiary remarks yesterday, calling for a full invasion and declaration of sovereignty over Gaza, and even for promoting voluntary migration.

It seems Netanyahu is navigating by the compass of the Smotrich–Ben Gvir duo. Channel 12 reported last night that the Prime Minister is leaning toward expanding the offensive and seizing full control of Gaza. In contrast, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the security apparatus opposes expansion in areas not yet entered by the army, fearing harm to the hostages.

News agencies circulated speculation that the Israeli Chief of Staff may cancel his trip to Washington after leaks that Netanyahu gave the green light to occupy Gaza—further reflecting deep rifts between the government and the military and security establishments. Maariv has repeatedly warned that continuing the war will cause long-term damage to the Israeli army, especially front-line forces.

Maariv also focused in its latest field and political coverage on the Israeli Chief of Staff’s request for the coalition government to hold a discussion session to present plans regarding the continuation of the war in Gaza. However, Netanyahu reportedly blocked the session, preventing the presentation and approval of these plans. This has left the army unclear on the political leadership’s objectives—while knowing full well that continuing the mission will yield negative results. The paper further reported, citing its sources, that the army’s front-line units are suffering from immense exhaustion, and prolonging the war will take a severe toll on both the units and the soldiers.