Herzog Backs Zamir In Clash With Netanyahu

President Isaac Herzog called Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to "strengthen his hands" against the backdrop of the confrontation with the political echelon regarding the plan to occupy the Gaza Strip after Hamas refused every proposal for a hostage deal, according to Amit Segal's report.

Earlier today, just before the convening of the Political-Security Cabinet, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir held a multi-arena situation assessment of the General Staff forum. In the situation assessment, the operational situation picture in all sectors was presented and the IDF's plans for continuation were presented.

In his remarks, the Chief of Staff addressed the numerous reports about the disputes between him and the political echelon, which is pressing to advance a plan to occupy the Strip. "We continue to fight on all fronts. The echoes of our strikes are heard constantly throughout the Middle East," he said. "The culture of disagreement is an inseparable part of the history of the people of Israel, it constitutes a vital component in the organizational culture of the IDF – both internally and externally."

Zamir added and sent a clear message: "We will continue to express our position without fear – in a practical, independent and professional manner. This is what we also expect from our commanders. Here lies the responsibility, on this table. We are not dealing with theory – we are dealing with matters of life and death, with defending the state, and we do this while looking directly into the eyes of our soldiers and the citizens of the state. We will continue to act with responsibility, integrity and determination – only the good of the state and its security before our eyes."