"You Don't Understand Anything": The IDF Chief's Harsh Words Sparked a Storm
The battle for Gaza rages on, but another battle is being fought within the cabinet. The IDF Chief of Staff chose to break his silence and send particularly sharp messages that are shaking the political system.
On September 2, 2025, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Nahshonim base to address reservists mobilized for a new phase of operations in Gaza, responding to sharp criticism from Israel’s political leadership. Speaking to the troops, Zamir emphasized the IDF’s commitment to defeating Hamas, stating, “We are acting relentlessly, and Hamas will have nowhere to hide from us.”
He confirmed that a new ground operation, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots,” has already begun, with forces entering previously untouched areas in Gaza, including Khan Younis and Rafah, to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure. “We’ve started the maneuver in Gaza, no doubt about it,” Zamir declared. “We’re entering places we haven’t been before, operating with courage, strength, and extraordinary spirit. The IDF proposes nothing short of decisive victory.”
Zamir’s remarks came amid heated exchanges with cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who criticized the IDF’s strategy, demanding a swift operation: “We instructed you for a short action. Surround them, and whoever doesn’t evacuate, let them die of hunger or surrender.” Zamir retorted sharply, “You don’t understand anything. You don’t know what a brigade or battalion is. This takes time.” Tensions escalated as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the IDF of undermining morale through media briefings, urging Zamir to “stop the army’s briefings in the media” and maintain a “united front.” Zamir, in a pointed response during a cabinet meeting, reminded ministers of their roles during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, saying, “Good morning, Eliyahu. You’re the October 7 cabinet. Now you remember to talk about defeating Hamas?”
Meanwhile, families of hostages held by Hamas protested outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, urging a deal to secure their release. Lishi Miran-Lavi, wife of hostage Omri Miran, accused the government of “closing its eyes and ears,” while Ruby Chen, father of hostage Itai Chen, appealed to U.S. President Trump: “You are the only person in the world who can end our suffering.” The families warned that escalating the war risks the hostages’ lives, with Miran-Lavi stating, “This war has reached its limit. Every day it continues is a victory for Hamas.”
Zamir also met with State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman to address criticisms of military oversight, agreeing to enhance cooperation while navigating the demands of the ongoing operation. The IDF has achieved control over approximately 75% of Gaza, targeting Hamas’s leadership and tunnels, with recent eliminations of key figures like Hudahaifa Kahlout, head of Hamas’s propaganda wing.
