Israel’s Katz Orders Army to Follow Gaza Occupation Decision Amid Rift With Top General

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Israel Defense Forces must carry out any decision made by the political leadership on Gaza “with determination and professionalism,” underscoring that the army is duty-bound to execute the government’s orders, including a potential reoccupation of the territory. Katz’s remarks follow reports of open disagreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over whether to extend the ground campaign to a full occupation. According to Israeli media, Zamir warned at a closed meeting that such a move would be “walking into a trap” and could endanger Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Netanyahu is expected to convene the security cabinet on Thursday to decide on the next phase of operations. The debate comes as domestic and international pressure mounts on Israel to end the nearly two-year conflict, which Gaza’s health authorities say has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians since October 2023.