Netanyahu wants to occupy all of Gaza, the IDF turns its back on him

Trump has reportedly given the green light to the operation. The Chief of Staff reduces troops and cancels the state of emergency. Yair Netanyahu accuses the IDF of a “coup d’état”

Tension is sky high at the top of the Israeli state. After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced its intention to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, the army reacted in the opposite direction: the IDF cancelled the state of emergency in force since 7 October and began reducing the number of troops deployed in the field.

According to sources cited by the Ynet website, the plan calls for a total occupation of the Strip, including the areas where the hostages are located. ‘If the chief of staff does not agree, he can resign,’ a senior official close to the prime minister reportedly said. The reference is to Eyal Zamir, who opposes the total expansion of operations. The IDF already controls 75% of the enclave, but considers a further advance, which could last for years and put the lives of the hostages at risk, to be unsustainable.

According to the Times of Israel, Netanyahu discussed the plan with ministers, seeking cabinet support to extend the offensive. But the Israeli Defence Forces fear a bloodbath and the end of any chance of freeing the hostages alive.

As a sign of dissent, Zamir decided to reduce the strength of the standing army, lightening the load on the troops and cancelling the emergency order that had extended the service of reservists. An indirect but clear response to political pressure.

Yair Netanyahu, the prime minister’s son, also weighed in on the matter, accusing the IDF of “rebellion” and even of an “attempted military coup”. The statement came after Yediot Ahronot military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua asked the prime minister to take public responsibility for the decision. ‘This is banana republic behaviour,’ the prime minister’s son wrote on X.

Meanwhile, the bombing of the Strip continues: at least nine Palestinians were killed in several attacks overnight, according to local medical sources. In Khan Younis, a tent was hit by an Israeli raid; other casualties were reported near the Nuseirat refugee camp and northwest of Gaza City.

On the humanitarian front, Israel has authorised the partial return of aid to the Strip for the first time since hostilities resumed in March. A limited number of traders will be allowed to bring in food and basic necessities, subject to security checks.

Finally, the UN Security Council has announced an emergency meeting to discuss the condition of the hostages, following the release of videos showing their serious physical condition. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon called for a formal condemnation of “Hamas” atrocities’.

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