Israeli Channel 13 reported Monday evening that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a proposal to bypass Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir after Zamir called for making a deal instead of proceeding with the plan to occupy Gaza City. Sources close to Netanyahu advocate appointing a commander higher than Zamir due to his refusal to occupy Gaza. The proposal suggests appointing a superior officer as a chief of staff or higher military commander because the current chief of staff is not aggressive enough and opposes occupying Gaza. Military leaders said Zamir would not accept a commander appointed above him. There is anger in Netanyahu’s office following Zamir’s call for a deal now. The Prime Minister’s office denied these reports, stating Israel has one government, one army, and one chief of staff.

Ahead of a small security cabinet meeting on the Gaza occupation plan and a possible prisoner exchange deal, Haaretz reported Netanyahu criticized military representatives for exaggerating concerns about the military operation. Zamir warned of great danger to Israeli captives’ lives if Gaza is occupied as per Netanyahu’s plan and urged acceptance of the latest US envoy Steve Whitkoff’s proposal for an agreement with Hamas. He also warned military pressure would cause Israeli soldier casualties. Israeli media reported disputes between army leaders and ministers during security meetings on the Gaza occupation plan.