Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly clashed over the government’s incipient plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, with Zamir arguing that the decision constitutes a “trap” for the IDF.

The two men also tussled, according to Hebrew media reports, over a post on X by the prime minister’s son, Yair Netanyahu, who does not hold a government position. The younger Netanyahu lashed out at Zamir and suggested that he was behind a “rebellion and attempted military coup that is fit for a banana republic in Central America in the 70s.”

Zamir objected to that accusation, saying in the meeting, according to the Kan public broadcaster, “How does that look? Why are you attacking me? Why are you speaking against me in the middle of a war?”

Netanyahu reportedly responded, “Don’t threaten to quit in the media. I can’t accept that every time you threaten that if we don’t accept your plans, you’ll leave. My son is 33, he’s a grown man.”

Zamir has repeatedly clashed with the cabinet in recent days, notably over the government’s move to expand the war in Gaza, according to multiple reports, and sources in the Prime Minister’s Office have suggested that if he objects to the plan to occupy Gaza, he can resign.

The IDF chief also reportedly said during Tuesday’s deliberations that full occupation would endanger the 50 hostages held by terror groups in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are thought to be alive, and........

© The Times of Israel