IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said today, ahead of a crucial cabinet meeting on the continuation of the war in Gaza, that "we will no longer limit our response" to the Palestinian Hamas movement, "but will eliminate threats at the initial stage in all areas (of Gaza) and continue to work towards achieving our goals."
"We now have the capacity to establish a new security reality along the (Gaza Strip) border, with continued pressure on the enemy," he said.
The Israeli press assumes that Netanyahu has decided to expand military operations in Gaza, while General Zamir warned the government that a complete occupation of Gaza would be a "trap" and endanger the lives of the hostages.
For several days, the Israeli press has expressed reservations, even opposition, to the government's alleged plan to continue operations in Gaza, and points out that Lieutenant General Zamir's statement in a speech to the Israeli army leadership is the first time he has spoken publicly about it.
The Chief of Staff, appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in March, is basking in the prestige of winning this year's war against Iran.
A sign of tensions is being interpreted as Defense Minister Israel Katz's statement on Wednesday that the Chief of General Staff "must resolutely implement" the government's political decisions, while Zamir said today that he speaks "without fear", "pragmatically" and "professionally" because "we are not dealing with theory, but with matters of life and death, the defense of the state, and with a direct view of our soldiers and citizens."
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