IDF Chief: I will say what I think even if Netanyahu doesn't like it
IDF Chief Zamir says the military will not shy away from voicing its position on Gaza, despite political opposition. “This is not theory, this is life and death,” he said.
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In a pointed address to the IDF General Staff Forum, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the value of open debate within Israel's military and society, amid escalating tensions with the political leadership over the future of operations in Gaza. Zamir's remarks, leaked to reporters Amit Segal and Itai Blumenthal, illustrate the military's commitment to independent, professional advice even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushes for a full occupation of the Strip.
"The culture of disagreement is an inseparable part of the history of the Jewish people; it constitutes an essential component in the organizational culture of the IDF, both internally and externally," Zamir stated. "We will continue to express our position without fear, in a factual, independent, and professional manner. This is what we expect from our subordinates as well. Here lies the responsibility, on this table. We are not dealing with theory, we are dealing with matters of life and death, with the defense of the state, and we do so while looking straight into the eyes of our soldiers and the citizens of the state."
Zamir reiterated the IDF's resolve: "We will continue to act responsibly, with integrity and determination, with only the good of the state and its security before our eyes. We intend to defeat and collapse Hamas, we will continue to act with our hostages before our eyes, we will do everything to bring them back."
The comments come as the IDF nears the "finish lines" of Operation Iron Swords, having achieved its objectives "and even beyond," according to Zamir. With 75% of Gaza under IDF control, he outlined a strategy focused on maintaining a "new security border" through targeted, surprise attacks from dominant positions, aiming to erode Hamas without full occupation. This approach, he argued, minimizes risks to troops and hostages while exploiting IDF advantages in timing, scope, and firepower.
Zamir's plan contrasts sharply with Netanyahu's directive for complete conquest, which military leaders warn could endanger the 50 remaining hostages (at least 20 believed alive), exhaust already fatigued forces, and provoke international backlash. The cabinet is set to vote tomorrow, amid reports of Netanyahu's frustration with IDF resistance, exacerbated by his son Yair's public accusations of a "military coup."
As negotiations stall, Zamir's stance positions the IDF as a guardian of pragmatic security over political ambition.