Israel’s security cabinet was set to convene on Thursday to discuss expanding the country’s military campaign across all of Gaza, despite growing fissures over the future of the war between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and the military.
The prospect of the Israeli military moving into the rest of territory comes as talks to achieve a cease-fire and the release of the hostages held there have hit an impasse, with Israeli and Hamas officials blaming each other for the deadlock. But widening the campaign has stoked concerns that it could imperil the lives of the hostages and Palestinian civilians.
Expanding military action would also be in defiance of many countries’ urging Israel to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza. In recent weeks, Israel has come under growing pressure from some longstanding allies to do more to address a hunger crisis in the enclave.
The Israeli military’s chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has pushed back against the potential plan, according to three Israeli security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive issues. He has shared concerns about the exhaustion and fitness of reservists and about the military becoming responsible for governing millions of Palestinians.
The military leadership generally would prefer a new cease-fire instead of ramping up fighting, according to one of the officials familiar with the thinking of the military’s high command.
In earlier stages of the war, Mr. Netanyahu and the Israeli military clashed about strategy. But the latest episode appeared to be the most significant showdown since the government appointed General Zamir in February.
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