Jerusalem, Aug 6 (UNI) Amidst Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to fully occupy Gaza, much friction has emerged between the political and military establishment in the country, with senior military officials warning the premier that a full occupation of the Gaza Strip could result in heavy casualties among Israeli forces and endanger the lives of remaining hostages.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over Netanyahu’s reported push to seize complete control of the enclave, where the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) already hold over 75% of the territory, reports Times of Israel.

According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, defence officials have estimated that such an operation could result in “dozens” of soldiers being killed and many more wounded.

They further cautioned that a sweeping ground campaign could jeopardise the lives of hostages under Hamas custody, particularly in areas the IDF has avoided due to this very fear.

The move has created friction even among Netanyahu’s supporters within the Israeli military leadership and its political command, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir having reportedly advised the adoption of more cautioned and restrained approach.

Lt Gen Zamir had proposed the encirclement of Gaza City rather than launch a full-scale military occupation to avoid both losses and structural damage. Netanyahu, however, is said to have rejected this recommendation and ordered plans to move ahead with the full military conquest.

The Israeli PM’s plans have also drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including from both Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Opposition leader Yair Lapid, latter of whom terming the Israeli PM’s plans “a very bad idea.”

Speaking during a security briefing, Lapid reportedly told Netanyahu that the Israeli public does not support such a move and warned that the cost — both in human lives and economically — would be too high.

“You don’t send the State of Israel to war unless the majority of the people are behind you,” Lapid told Netanyahu. “The price will be too heavy.”

He urged the government to consider an alternative solution, suggesting that Arab states could take over the administration of Gaza, allowing Israel to focus on neutralising Hamas operatives, instead of getting entangled in prolonged occupation.

Netanyahu, who held a three-hour security discussion with top officials yesterday, is expected to present the plan to the full security cabinet for approval today. Despite the military’s warnings and the political command urging for alternatives, the cabinet is reportedly poised to greenlight the move.



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