Netanyahu clashes with IDF chief over relocating Gaza civilians

Zamir expressed doubts concerning the viability of the IDF maintaining control over such a large population that could turn violent.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

During a closed meeting on Thursday involving Israel’s security cabinet, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir expressed skepticism over the plan to move Gazan civilians to the southern part of the Strip to allow the IDF to operate in the North.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Zamir for a so-called “stalemate” in Gaza and for public remarks the IDF chief made last week that the continuation of the war could endanger the hostages.

Zamir responded, “You always say there is a stalemate in Gaza. There is no stalemate in the Strip — we’re doing exactly what you asked us to do. I recommend that people be careful about what they say about us, as we are supposedly not doing what we are supposed to do. You shouldn’t need to be reminded that soldiers are dying in battle.”

Smotrich supported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to move Gaza’s population to the south so the IDF can take control of the northern part of the Strip.

Smotrich said the IDF could “siege the North [of Gaza]. That way can defeat Hamas in no time.”

Netanyahu told Zamir to “work on an evacuation plan of the population to the south of the Strip.”

Zamir criticized the plan and asked, “Do you want a military government [in Gaza]? Who will govern 2 million people?”

According to sources, Netanyahu responded angrily, “The IDF and the State of Israel. I don’t want a military government, but I want to move [Gazans] to a large civilian area. [I’m] not willing to leave Hamas behind in any form.”

Netanyahu said the only alternative to the evacuation plan was to seize the entire Gaza Strip, including areas not taken before, and risk the lives of the remaining hostages.

“The alternative to evacuation to the south is to invade the whole Strip and capture it, which means killing the hostages, which I don’t want and am not prepared to do,” Netanyahu reportedly said.

Zamir expressed doubts concerning the viability of the IDF maintaining control over such a large population hostile to them.

Netanyahu reportedly dismissed Zamir’s concern, saying, “Prepare an evacuation plan — I want to see it when I return from Washington.”

The premier is traveling to the US to meet with President Donald Trump in the coming week.