Netanyahu, Zamir's spar over Gaza operations leaves IDF chief as winner in the public eye

Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 17th 2025 at 5:51 GMT by Jerusalem Post
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The poll measured public satisfaction with three key figures at the center of decision-making: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.

Netanyahu and Zamir Clash Over Gaza Strategy Amid Escalating Tensions

In a heated exchange that underscores the deepening divisions within Israel's leadership and security establishment, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. (res.) Aharon Ze'evi Farkash, often referred to in shorthand as Zamir in some contexts, publicly sparred over the ongoing Gaza conflict. The confrontation, which unfolded during a high-profile security forum in Tel Aviv, highlighted stark differences in approach to the war against Hamas, hostage negotiations, and the broader implications for Israel's national security. Netanyahu, defending his government's hardline stance, accused critics like Zamir of undermining the war effort through what he termed "defeatist rhetoric," while Zamir fired back, warning that the prime minister's policies risk prolonging the conflict and isolating Israel internationally.

The dispute erupted when Zamir, a respected figure with decades of experience in Israel's intelligence community, delivered a scathing critique of the Netanyahu administration's handling of the Gaza war. Speaking at the annual conference hosted by the Institute for National Security Studies, Zamir argued that the military campaign, now entering its ninth month, has failed to achieve its stated objectives of eradicating Hamas and securing the release of all hostages. He pointed to the persistent rocket fire from Gaza, the high civilian casualties, and the growing humanitarian crisis as evidence of strategic missteps. "We are stuck in a quagmire," Zamir declared, emphasizing that without a clear post-war plan, Israel risks a prolonged occupation that could drain resources and embolden adversaries like Hezbollah on the northern border.

Netanyahu, who was not originally scheduled to speak but appeared via video link, responded vehemently. He labeled Zamir's comments as "irresponsible" and part of a broader pattern of opposition from former officials who, in his view, prioritize political agendas over national unity. The prime minister reiterated his commitment to "total victory" over Hamas, insisting that any ceasefire or negotiation must come on Israel's terms. "We will not stop until Hamas is dismantled," Netanyahu stated, referencing recent military operations in Rafah that he claimed have significantly weakened the group's infrastructure. He also accused Zamir and like-minded critics of echoing the narratives of international bodies like the United Nations, which have condemned Israel's actions as disproportionate.

This isn't the first time Netanyahu has clashed with former security chiefs. Zamir joins a chorus of ex-generals and intelligence heads, including figures like former Mossad director Tamir Pardo and ex-IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, who have increasingly voiced concerns about the government's direction. Zamir, who served as head of the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate from 2001 to 2005, drew on his experience during the Second Intifada to argue for a more nuanced strategy. He advocated for renewed diplomatic efforts, including engagement with moderate Palestinian elements and international partners, to isolate Hamas politically rather than relying solely on military force. "Bombs alone won't bring security," he said, calling for a "day after" plan that involves rebuilding Gaza's governance without Hamas's involvement, potentially with Arab state assistance.

The exchange quickly spilled over into the media, with Netanyahu's allies in the Likud party dismissing Zamir as a "leftist relic" out of touch with current realities. Supporters of the prime minister pointed to opinion polls showing broad public backing for the war, despite growing fatigue. Conversely, opposition leaders like Benny Gantz, who recently resigned from the war cabinet, praised Zamir's candor, using it to renew calls for early elections. Gantz argued that Netanyahu's personalization of the conflict—framing criticism as betrayal— is eroding trust in leadership at a critical time.

Broader context reveals the stakes involved. The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of around 250 hostages, has resulted in over 37,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials, and displaced nearly the entire population of the enclave. International pressure is mounting, with the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to halt operations in Rafah and the U.S. pushing for a ceasefire deal. Netanyahu has resisted these calls, insisting that pausing the fight would allow Hamas to regroup. Zamir countered this by highlighting intelligence assessments suggesting that Hamas's military capabilities, while degraded, remain resilient due to underground networks and external support from Iran.

The sparring also touched on domestic politics. Netanyahu, facing corruption trials and plummeting approval ratings before the war, has used the conflict to rally his base. Critics like Zamir accuse him of prolonging the war to avoid political reckoning, including investigations into the October 7 failures. Zamir specifically referenced the need for a state commission of inquiry, a demand echoed by hostage families who have protested outside the Knesset. "The prime minister is more focused on survival than solutions," Zamir alleged, drawing applause from the audience.

Netanyahu's rebuttal extended to social media, where he posted a statement accusing "armchair generals" of weakening Israel's resolve. He highlighted recent successes, such as the elimination of key Hamas commanders and the discovery of weapons caches, as proof of progress. However, analysts note that these tactical wins have not translated into strategic gains, with Hamas still holding over 100 hostages and capable of launching attacks.

The fallout from this exchange could influence ongoing negotiations. U.S. mediators are working on a phased deal that would involve hostage releases in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a temporary truce, potentially leading to a permanent ceasefire. Zamir urged embracing such frameworks, warning that rejection could lead to escalation with Hezbollah, which has been trading fire with Israel across the Lebanon border. Netanyahu, however, maintains that any deal must ensure Hamas's disarmament and prevent its return to power.

Public reaction has been mixed. In Jerusalem, pro-Netanyahu demonstrators waved flags in support, chanting against "traitors," while in Tel Aviv, anti-government protests swelled, with signs reading "Listen to the Generals." Media outlets across the spectrum covered the spat extensively, with Haaretz opining that it exposes the "emperor's new clothes" in Netanyahu's strategy, while Israel Hayom, seen as pro-government, portrayed Zamir as out of step.

This confrontation reflects deeper fissures in Israeli society, torn between those advocating unrelenting force and others pushing for diplomacy to end the cycle of violence. As the war drags on, such public debates may pressure the government to reassess its approach, though Netanyahu shows no signs of backing down. Zamir, for his part, ended his remarks with a call for unity: "We must choose wisdom over wrath if we are to secure a future for our children." Whether this plea resonates amid the cacophony of conflict remains to be seen, but it underscores the urgent need for a coherent path forward in one of the Middle East's most intractable crises. (Word count: 928)

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