Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to invade Gaza has sparked concern not only among the international community but also within the leadership of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). At the forefront of this opposition is IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who has warned that any invasion of the Strip could plunge Israel into a “black hole” of prolonged insurgency, humanitarian burdens, and increased risk to hostages.
But who is Zamir, now regarded as Netanyahu’s primary domestic opponent?
Education and Military Career
Born on January 26, 1966, in Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city on the Red Sea, Zamir studied political science at Tel Aviv University and later specialized in national security at the University of Haifa. After attending the IDF military academy in Tel Aviv, he began serving in the army in 1984, steadily rising through the ranks to become head of the IDF Southern Command, military secretary to the Prime Minister, and Deputy Chief of Staff.
In 2023, then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant appointed him Director-General of the Ministry of Defense, a position he held until Gallant left office in November 2024 after months of severe political clashes with Netanyahu. Zamir initially announced his resignation but was persuaded to stay by Israel Katz, the current Defense Minister.
Leading the IDF
In March 2025, the two-time war medal recipient was appointed IDF Chief of Staff, replacing Herzi Halevi, who resigned after taking full responsibility for the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people—both civilians and soldiers—and resulted in 250 hostages being taken, including children.
Now, just months into his tenure, Zamir has clashed directly with Netanyahu, expressing deep skepticism toward the Gaza invasion plan. According to Israeli media, during a marathon closed-door meeting of the Israeli Security Council, he warned Netanyahu of the grave risks such a plan would pose to the lives of hostages and the already strained military after nearly two years of war.
Criticism of Netanyahu
“We will continue to express our position without fear, specifically, independently and professionally,” Zamir stated. “The army will continue to act responsibly, with integrity and determination, thinking only of the country’s welfare and security.”
He further argued that there is no humanitarian solution for the millions of people Israel would displace in Gaza, adding: “Everything will be extremely complex.”
Zamir warned that expanding military operations would cost soldiers’ lives, deplete resources, and cause serious humanitarian and health crises. “Such an operation could last for months, increasing pressure on both the regular army and the reserves,” he said.
Internal Political Struggle
His remarks have stirred tensions within the Israeli government. Sources in Netanyahu’s office have stated: “If Zamir disagrees, he should resign.” According to Channel 12, cabinet ministers harshly criticized the IDF Chief’s comments, arguing that the planned May 2025 ground offensive had failed to achieve its stated goals. Zamir, however, countered that the operation had created the necessary conditions for rescuing the remaining hostages.
The Chief of Staff is not alone in opposing the invasion plan. Families of hostages—fearful for the lives of their loved ones still held by Hamas—have staged demonstrations outside Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem in recent days.
