A deepening rift has emerged at the highest levels of Israeli power as Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahuintensifies his push for a full military takeover of Gaza, while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, is reported to be resisting the directive, citing strategic, political, and humanitarian concerns.
The growing tension underscores the internal divisions within Israel’s war cabinet as it continues its controversial campaign in the Gaza Strip—one that has already drawn global outrage over the scale of destruction and civilian casualties.
Bibi’s Ambition: Total Control
According to leaks from Israeli cabinet meetings and anonymous defense officials, Netanyahu is pressuring military leadership to move forward with a complete occupation of Gaza, dismantling what remains of Hamas’ infrastructure and reestablishing permanent Israeli security control over the territory.
In recent speeches and closed-door meetings, Netanyahu has insisted that anything less than total victory would be a strategic failure. “There can be no Hamas. There can be no independent Gaza. There can be no threats on our southern border,” Netanyahu reportedly told aides, according to sources in the Prime Minister’s Office.
He envisions a post-war Gaza under indefinite Israeli oversight, possibly enforced through a buffer zone, military checkpoints, and a deep presence across the strip—effectively nullifying any future Palestinian autonomy.
IDF Chief Halevi: Strategic Revolt
But this hardline vision is not shared by the Israeli military’s top brass. General Herzi Halevi has reportedly pushed back against Netanyahu’s orders, warning that a full military occupation of Gaza could trigger long-term insurgency, regional escalation, and international isolation.
Military intelligence reportedly views the plan as unfeasible and potentially catastrophic, both in terms of troop casualties and global backlash. Halevi and other IDF generals argue that Israel’s military goals—crippling Hamas’ operational capacity and rescuing hostages—are not dependent on reoccupying Gaza.
According to multiple defense officials quoted in Israeli media, Halevi is advocating for a short-term operation-based approach, followed by international involvement or limited Palestinian civil governance—a plan far from Netanyahu’s maximalist ambitions.
Political Crisis Brewing
The growing disagreement is not just military—it’s political. Members of the war cabinet, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and former IDF Chief Benny Gantz, are said to be alarmed by Netanyahu’s unilateral escalation, especially as Israel’s international standing continues to erode.
Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in recent weeks, not only protesting the war’s human toll but also accusing Netanyahu of using the conflict to cling to power amid ongoing corruption trials and domestic political crisis.
“The prime minister is playing with fire,” one former Mossad officer said on national television. “This is no longer about security. It’s about legacy. It’s about survival. And he’s willing to take the country down with him.”
International Fallout and U.S. Concerns
Meanwhile, Israel’s key allies, including the United States, have expressed concern over any move that suggests a reoccupation of Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently warned that such a move would be “a strategic mistake” and could prolong the war indefinitely, with no political resolution in sight.
With global condemnation of the Gaza humanitarian crisis growing louder and aid agencies warning of genocide-like conditions, further escalation could spark broader regional conflict and irreparably damage Israel’s diplomatic relationships.
What Comes Next?
As of now, Netanyahu is holding firm, despite internal dissent and global pressure. His hardline coalition partners, including far-right ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, are cheering the plan for a total Gaza takeover and even suggesting settler re-entry into the Strip.
General Halevi, on the other hand, remains in a difficult position—balancing military discipline with principled resistance. Whether he will resign, comply, or continue quiet defiance remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: Israel is no longer speaking with one voice. As bombs continue to fall on Gaza and political battle lines harden in Tel Aviv, the war is no longer only on the battlefield—it has reached the heart of Israel’s government and military command.
