Media: Senior Israeli officials criticise IDF chief over Gaza strategy, hostage deal

Senior political figures allied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have sharply criticised Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, accusing him of sending mixed messages regarding the Gaza conflict.

For the first time, top officials directly challenged Zamir after he reportedly told confidants that a deal to end the fighting was on the table and that Israel should accept it, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israel Hayom.

Speaking to Israel Hayom on August 25, the officials said: "The same man who presented a plan for Hamas' defeat to the cabinet is now briefing that all of Israel's goals have been met, the war should stop, and we should move forward with a deal. The gap between the way he presented himself before taking office and the way he is acting today is like night and day."

The remarks follow reports attributing statements to Zamir suggesting that the army has already accomplished its key objectives. "He didn't even deny the remarks," a senior political source complained.

Tensions between Israel’s military and political leadership have escalated amid Zamir’s well-known opposition to Netanyahu’s proposal to take full control of Gaza, including central refugee camps.

Disputes with Defence Minister Israel Katz have further compounded the situation, even as the IDF prepares for a more intense phase of operations in Gaza.

Over the weekend, Zamir visited the Binyamin region in Judea and Samaria, emphasising the army’s approach to Gaza.

He said: "We are committed to act responsibly – alert, prepared, and sharp on the operational front. The operations in the refugee camps are thorough and significant, uprooting the roots of terrorism to prevent it from regrowing."

Earlier this month, Israel Hayom reported that sources close to Zamir said he views conquering all of Gaza as a misstep.

They cited two main concerns: the risk to hostages still held by Hamas and the potential heavy toll on IDF troops after months of continuous combat.

The sources stressed that "the only considerations guiding him are the defeat of Hamas and the return of the hostages, and he will not be dragged into strategic traps."

By Aghakazim Guliyev