Israeli army chief will have to 'execute' govt decisions on Gaza, defence minister says

The Israeli military will have to execute any government decisions on Gaza, the defence minister said Wednesday after reported disagreements over the prospect of a full occupation of the Palestinian territory.

Israel Katz's statement on X came after reports in the Israeli media in recent days suggested that military chief Eyal Zamir is opposed to a government plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, warning that such an occupation would be a "trap". 

"It is the right and duty of the Chief of Staff to express his position in the appropriate forums, and after decisions are made by the political echelon, the [army] will execute them with determination and professionalism... until the war’s objectives are achieved," Katz wrote.

"As the defence minister responsible for the [army] on behalf of the government, I must ensure that these decisions are carried out - and so it will be," he added.

The comments followed Yair Netanyahu’s statement on X, where the prime minister's son said his father was advised not to appoint Zamir, but Katz pushed for the appointment. He also implied that Zamir was planning a "rebellion and attempted coup."