Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preventing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from presenting its proposal for Gaza. While the IDF proposal focuses on Hamas, Netanyahu wants to force the people of the Strip into a concentration camp.
Israel Hayom reports on the debate within the Israeli government on Gaza between the IDF and Netanyahu. The IDF proposal calls for more limited operations in the Strip focused on eliminating Hamas. The Israeli military prefers this route as it is less strain on their soldiers and does not make the IDF responsible for the civilian population.
However, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has been barred by Netanyahu from pitching the plan to the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet.
Netanyahu favors a proposal that will create a “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza and force the entire population of the Strip to live there. Many, including former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, compared the city to a concentration camp.
Israel Hayom reports that Zamir opposes Netanyahu’s plan, deeming it a “strategic mistake” and even a “strategic trap.” He argues the IDF should focus on Hamas, not providing welfare to civilians.
The concentration camp proposal is also supported by Defense Minister Israeli Katz and Finance Minister Betzel Smotrich. Katz has said the tent city could be constructed if Hamas agrees to a 60-day ceasefire and releases Israeli hostages.
