GAZA PLAN GETS GREEN LIGHT: ISRAELI MILITARY BOSS APPROVES OFFENSIVE DESPITE POLITICAL FIGHTS
JERUSALEM, Israel – August 13, 2025:The top guy in the Israeli military, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has given the thumbs up to a big new offensive to take Gaza City, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). This call comes after the security cabinet signed off, but there’s talk of a big disagreement brewing between the military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s crew about what to do next in Gaza.
Zamir’s approval means the military is ready to roll, but it follows weeks of arguments and warnings from military folks that a full-on takeover could be a trap, put the hostages at risk, and start a long-term fight. Air strikes have already gotten heavier, and the world is giving Israel a lot of flak as things in the region get really bad, with people starving.
The Military Says Go Because Politicians Said So
The IDF said that Zamir approved the plan for the next part of the operation when he met with top officers, Shin Bet guys, and senior commanders. The military’s okay with the Gaza City offensive plan because it’s what the politicians told them to do—hinting that this is a political decision. Officials are saying the operation won’t start right away, but they’ll get the reserve units ready.
Big Disagreement Out in the Open
This approval follows some serious internal squabbling. Israeli news is saying that there’s a fight between the military leaders and the government. Zamir was supposedly against taking over Gaza, saying it could be a trap and turn into a long occupation with constant fighting. This caused a political mess, with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s son accusing the military boss of being a rebel.
It’s not just the top guy. Retired senior officials, including former IDF chiefs and intelligence heads, have put out a statement saying it’s time to end the war, arguing that Israel has lost more than it’s won. The families of hostages are also against it, worried that a bigger military operation would put their loved ones at risk. A Hamas spokesperson also said the plan would be like sacrificing the hostages.
Government Sticks to Its Guns
Prime Minister Netanyahu is sticking to his guns with the new offensive. He says it’s the best way to end the war quickly. His office has laid out five main things for Gaza’s future: get rid of Hamas’ weapons, get the hostages back, make Gaza a no-military zone, have Israel control security, and have a civilian government that isn’t Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu says Israel doesn’t want to rule the area forever but wants to set up a security area and hand things over to some other group.
Humanitarian Crisis Getting Worse
These military plans are happening while things are getting worse for people in Gaza. Air strikes on Gaza City, especially in the Zeitoun and Sabra areas, have gotten heavier. Gaza’s Health Ministry says that over 61,599 Palestinians have died since the war started in October 2023, with many of them women and kids. The United Nations says that hunger is the worst it’s been since the fighting started, with 222 people, including 101 kids, dying from hunger-related stuff.
Aid is being held up by Israeli authorities. In one case, the Israeli military hit a vehicle they claimed was carrying militants disguised as aid workers but was later denied by the charity World Central Kitchen—showing how confusing things are on the ground. The UN says that they’ve only gotten about 22% of the money they need for the Palestinian areas.
World and Home Say No Way
The world is not happy about this new plan. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres says it’s a dangerous escalation that could make things even worse. The UN Security Council even held a weekend meeting to talk about it. Germany, a big ally, has stopped selling military stuff to Israel because they’re worried about how it’s being used in Gaza.
Back home, Israelis are protesting, worried that the new offensive will mean more deaths and a longer conflict. Opposition leader Yair Lapid thinks taking over Gaza is a very bad idea. But Netanyahu is standing his ground, saying, We will win the war, with or without the help of others.
Gaza’s Broken Down
The fighting has wrecked Gaza. A report says it’ll take $53.2 billion to fix things. Housing has been hit the hardest, with 53% of the damage there. Gaza’s economy is in ruins, with over 80% of people out of work. The West Bank’s economy is also struggling, with unemployment up to 35%.
What’s Next?
With the military moving forward, Gaza’s future is really uncertain. The offensive will likely force a lot of people to leave their homes and cause a lot of destruction. The UN warns that it could cause another disaster and that the fighting will go on without a political solution. While talks aren’t going anywhere, a Hamas group has gone to Cairo to talk about a temporary break in the fighting and release hostages.
Humanitarian Disaster Happening Now
Things are really bad for people there. Over 737,000 people have been forced to leave their homes since the last ceasefire broke down in March 2025, adding to the huge number of people already displaced. These people are living in crowded and dirty conditions, causing more illnesses like meningitis. The health system is about to collapse, with half the hospitals and clinics not working. They’re also running out of medicine.
Aid is being held up, making it hard for organizations to help. UNRWA, which provides a lot of aid, hasn’t been able to bring in supplies for over four months. Many international organizations have spoken out against these restrictions.
What It All Means
The new plan hasn’t been thought out. The war and the building of Israeli settlements in the West Bank are making it less likely that there will ever be a two-state solution. The fighting is fueling extremism and making the cycle of violence worse. Also, the ICJ says that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza is illegal.
