The channel quoted security sources on Sunday as saying that Zamir had informed those close to him of his refusal to carry out any operations that might endanger the lives of detainees, stressing the need for clear political orders to achieve the war's objectives. The channel explained that the army, under Zamir's leadership, opposes military expansion without guarantees for the safety of the prisoners.
Netanyahu will meet with political and military leaders on Tuesday to discuss the future of operations in Gaza. Plans are under consideration to seize or encircle additional areas to pressure Hamas, amid fears that the movement may execute prisoners if operations expand.
These warnings come after the release of video clips of several Israeli prisoners held by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including Eviatar David, who appeared to have lost significant weight, sparking concern in Israel.
Hebrew reports indicated that Zamir canceled a planned visit to Washington this week due to the lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations, while Netanyahu pushes for a "military resolution" in parallel with the delivery of humanitarian aid to areas outside Hamas' control.
Despite Hamas's repeated declarations of its willingness to release all Israeli prisoners in exchange for a ceasefire, an army withdrawal, and the release of Palestinian prisoners, Netanyahu has insisted on additional conditions, including the disarmament of the factions. This has led to Israel's withdrawal from the Doha negotiations, which were mediated by Qatar and Egypt and supported by the United States.
Tel Aviv estimates that there are approximately 50 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, including 20 who are still alive, while Israel is holding more than 10,000 Palestinian prisoners under conditions described by human rights organizations as including torture, starvation, and medical neglect.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has continued its war on Gaza, leaving more than 210,000 Palestinians dead or wounded, most of them children and women. More than 9,000 are missing, hundreds of thousands displaced, and a famine has claimed the lives of many civilians.
