Cabinet meeting brawl leaked to press: Netanyahu and Zamir face to face

According to Israeli media, a heated argument broke out between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir during a cabinet meeting on Thursday night. The dispute centered around a plan to encircle northern Gaza and forcibly relocate Palestinian civilians to the south, a move Zamir reportedly opposed.

The plan, initiated by far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, has sparked internal conflict within the Israeli government. During the meeting, Zamir expressed skepticism about the feasibility and morality of the plan, stating, “There is no deadlock in Gaza. We are doing exactly what you asked us to do.”

Netanyahu, however, defended the plan, arguing that the IDF must work on a “large-scale evacuation plan” to move Palestinians to the south. Smotrich claimed that encircling northern Gaza would lead to the collapse of Hamas.

Military vs. Civilian Control
Zamir questioned the practicality of the plan, asking, “Do you want a military government in Gaza? Who will govern 2 million people?” Netanyahu responded by shouting, “The IDF and the State of Israel… I don’t want a military government. I want them sent to a wide civilian area. I am not willing to leave Hamas behind in any way.”

Netanyahu also warned that the alternative to the evacuation plan would be the complete takeover of the Gaza Strip, including areas where the IDF has avoided operations due to concerns about harming hostages. He emphasized that this could lead to the death of hostages, a scenario he is neither willing nor prepared to accept.

Zamir countered that the evacuation plan could lead to a loss of control, stating, “We need to talk about this. We haven’t agreed on this. Controlling these hungry and angry people will lead to a loss of control, and as a result, they will stand against the IDF.”

Netanyahu instructed Zamir to prepare an evacuation plan, saying, “I want to see it when I return from Washington.” Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, July 7, to discuss the ongoing conflict.