Netanyahu and new IDF Chief Zamir discuss resuming Gaza War in first meeting

The discussions centered on the IDF’s readiness to resume fighting if ongoing negotiations with Hamas falter in the coming days, signaling a proactive stance amid stalled ceasefire talks. Zamir, who assumed his role last week, is moving swiftly to ensure the military is primed for escalation.

Last Thursday, during a visit to the Southern Command, Zamir greenlit plans to renew hostilities, directing the commanding officer, Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkleman, to refine the attack strategy. His instructions emphasized enhancing the effectiveness of the next ground maneuver, with key elements including massive airstrikes, a larger-scale ground operation than previous efforts, the re-evacuation of northern Gaza’s population, and mobilizing hundreds of thousands of reservists. These adjustments reflect Zamir’s intent to intensify military pressure on Hamas, aiming for a more decisive impact should fighting resume.

Adding to the heightened tensions, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen ordered the Electric Company on Sunday to sever the last remaining power line to Gaza, which supplies its water desalination plant. This move could further strain living conditions in the Strip, where access to clean water is already limited. Cohen’s decision also hinted at future measures, with Israel considering shutting off the water line to northern Gaza—one of three pipelines supplying water from Israel to the region.

The meeting between Netanyahu and Zamir underscores the government’s readiness to shift from diplomacy to military action if Hamas negotiations collapse. With Zamir’s strategic overhaul and the potential cutoff of essential utilities, Israel is signaling a no-nonsense approach, balancing the carrot of talks with the stick of renewed warfare. As the situation teeters on the brink, the coming days will prove critical in determining Gaza’s immediate future.