Tel Aviv( The COW News Digital) Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (also referenced as Eyal Zamir in some reports) has warned the Israeli cabinet that further military operations against Hamas in Gaza could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages still held by the militant group.
According to Israeli media, the army chief addressed cabinet ministers in a tense briefing, cautioning that while he supports defeating Hamas, increasing the intensity of operations may further jeopardize the hostages. “The more we escalate offensives, the more we put hostages at risk,” he reportedly said.
Currently, around 50 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with Israeli intelligence estimating that only 20 of them are likely alive. General Zamir revealed that the Israeli military is close to securing 75% of its objectives in Gaza but acknowledged that further action — especially in densely populated areas — is complex due to hostage concerns.
He reiterated an earlier recommendation: pushing civilians out of northern Gaza and applying intense military pressure could help defeat Hamas. However, he emphasized that no decision about the fate of the hostages should be delayed any further.
The cabinet meeting did not reach a conclusion, and a second session scheduled for Monday also ended without resolution. According to Israeli Channel 12, three main options are under discussion:
- Full occupation of Gaza,
- A complete ceasefire deal to secure hostage release, and
- A limited operation in northern Gaza while displacing civilians southward.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the army chief, accusing him of pressuring the government to end the war. “You can do both — defeat Hamas and bring the hostages home,” he claimed.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing families of those still in captivity, called Zamir’s comments a “black flag” warning to the political leadership, demanding urgent decisions over the hostages’ fate.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to reject ceasefire proposals, insisting that the war must continue until Hamas is “completely destroyed.” However, after nearly 21 months of conflict, public sentiment in Israel is shifting, with many now doubting the effectiveness of a purely military solution.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts for a permanent truce have intensified in Washington under President Donald Trump. Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on July 7, while Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is already in the U.S. for talks with American officials.
Hamas has remained firm in demanding a permanent ceasefire, while Israel insists on a temporary truce — one that allows war to resume later.
