Internal IDF Rift Over Gaza Strategy: “Every Next Step Must Account for Troop Fatigue”

As the IDF draws down its presence in Gaza following the effective end of Operation Chariots of Gideon, sharp divisions are emerging within the military’s upper ranks over how to proceed. Senior officers warn that ongoing operations must take into account the growing exhaustion among regular and reserve forces, with some commanders expressing serious concern about the lack of clarity from Israel's political leadership.

“Any future move must consider the increasing exhaustion of the forces, they’re already operating beyond their limits,” according to senior officer.

The withdrawal of Division 98 and two reserve brigades marks a significant shift in Israel's Gaza deployment. Yet behind the scenes, frustration is mounting. Operational mishaps, disciplinary issues, and fading morale are reportedly on the rise, all signs, officers say, of a military stretched thin with no clear mission ahead.

According to officers present at a recent internal meeting, one Gaza Division education officer remarked that the IDF is “wasting itself” in Gaza. A peer from Division 98 followed by saying bluntly, “After statements like that, it’s hard to carry on.”

Tensions Between Top Brass

Sources describe a growing rift between Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Southern Command head Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman. According to several senior IDF figures, Zamir prefers a hostages-for-ceasefire deal, even at a heavy price, and believes Hamas has already been decisively weakened.

“Despite what’s being said in the media, Hamas has been dealt a severe blow. We’ve reached achievements that allow us to consider ending the war,” Zamir reportedly told close advisors.

In contrast, Maj. Gen. Finkelman, the architect of Operation Chariots of Gideon, is reportedly advocating for the full conquest of Gaza and continued military pressure on Hamas. According to fellow officers, Finkelman uses terms like “total Hamas defeat” and “full capitulation,” leading at least one senior officer to accuse him of being “detached from reality.”

IDF Warns: Troop Weariness Reaching Breaking Point

Behind these strategic differences lies a deeper issue: the grinding toll of prolonged deployment. Zamir has reportedly warned the cabinet that the IDF is nearing a red line in terms of manpower fatigue and that further decisions must factor in the psychological and logistical cost.

“The understanding is clear: regular and reserve units are worn down. The crisis is even more severe among career soldiers, where unlike reservists, they can’t simply opt out,” a senior officer said. “Commanders are struggling to keep operational focus. When they’re exhausted themselves, it affects discipline, mission clarity, and leads to dangerous mistakes.”

Despite repeated internal warnings, the IDF claims the government has yet to hold a serious cabinet-level discussion about the state of the troops or military equipment wear. “Other than empty statements about how hard things are, not one serious discussion has taken place,” said another officer.

Strategic Dilemma: Hold or Advance?

The army has floated the idea of encircling Gaza or parts of it to reduce manpower needs, but many commanders argue this would merely prolong the conflict. While technically feasible, they warn that conquering all of Gaza would come at a high price in casualties and long-term resource strain.

IDF assessments suggest that fully occupying Gaza and dismantling Hamas infrastructure could take several months and still wouldn’t guarantee an end to hostilities, as guerrilla warfare would likely continue.

For now, the army is in a holding pattern. With forces pulling back but still present on the ground, commanders worry Hamas will exploit the vacuum to launch new ambushes and regain strategic ground.

“The war hasn't ended. But the army’s direction and stamina remain dangerously unclear,” one officer concluded.