Two Israeli officials told CNN that Zamir strongly opposed in security cabinet meetings the decision to take control of Gaza City, warning of risks that could threaten the lives of 48 Israeli hostages still held in the Strip, in addition to the humanitarian and strategic consequences of displacing up to one million Palestinians.

He also objected to the dangers Israeli soldiers might face on the battlefield and urged ministers to consider a ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators and approved by Hamas, emphasizing that a framework is ready for implementation.

However, Netanyahu refused to include the proposal on the government’s agenda and insisted on proceeding with the military plan, citing US President Donald Trump’s words: “Forget partial deals… go in with full force and finish it,” stressing he wants a comprehensive deal ensuring the release of all hostages at once.

According to Israeli media, Zamir warned that taking control of Gaza City would inevitably lead to a full military occupation of the Strip, with the army bearing direct responsibility for the population.

Despite his firm stance, Zamir received limited support from some ministers, including members of the Likud party, while Netanyahu’s far-right allies accused him of pursuing a “weak and defeatist” policy that hinders victory over Hamas.

Tensions between him and the government have escalated in recent weeks after reports of his opposition to expanding the war, and he faced public criticism from Yair Netanyahu, the prime minister’s son, who described him on social media as leading “a rebellion and a military coup attempt similar to the banana republics of the 1970s,” a statement his father did not disavow.

This dispute reflects a recurring pattern since the current government took office in January 2023, where army recommendations are often ignored.

During nearly two years of war, confrontations between political and military leadership have repeated, while Netanyahu repeatedly tried to blame security leaders for the October 7, 2023 attacks. In the past nine months, he dismissed all senior security officials who were in office on the day of the attacks but appointed Zamir himself with support from Defense Minister Israel Katz, after Zamir served as his military secretary.

Due to his opposition to the new escalation, Zamir has faced increased pressure and calls from Netanyahu’s allies to resign, despite holding the position for only six months.

Meanwhile, a group of reserve soldiers announced on Tuesday their refusal to participate in the upcoming military operation to take control of Gaza City, considering the decision threatens the hostages’ lives and worsens the humanitarian tragedy.

This group, calling itself “Soldiers for the Hostages,” held a press conference in Tel Aviv, where their spokesperson Yotam Filk told CNN their movement arose in rejection of what they described as Netanyahu’s “obstruction” of a prisoner exchange deal, affirming their main goal is the hostages’ release but also opposing the continuation of the war because its objectives have become unclear.

In a letter addressed to the military attorney general, the group described the order to take control of Gaza as “blatantly illegal” and exceeding all legal and ethical standards, warning that soldiers carrying it out could bear criminal and personal responsibility. So far, the group has not received any official response to their letter.