Israeli media: Intense arguments broke out at the meeting of Israel's Security Cabinet

Israeli media reported that a fierce quarrel broke out at the Israeli Security Cabinet meeting. Prime Minister Netanyahu refused to accept the phased ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, while the Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli military, Zamir, warned that taking over Gaza City would eventually lead to the full occupation of the Gaza Strip.

Hebrew media outlets such as Israel's "New News" website reported that the Security Cabinet meeting was held behind closed doors in Tel Aviv, lasting nearly six hours from Sunday evening (August 31) to the early morning of Monday (September 1), mainly discussing the Israeli military's plan to take over Gaza City. Zamir, along with Foreign Minister Sarr and Intelligence Minister Gamlil, hopes that Netanyahu will accept the phased ceasefire agreement that Hamas has agreed to. But Netanyahu refused, saying that the interim agreement "was not under discussion" and that US President Trump wanted him to do so.

Several far-right ministers urged Netanyahu to have the security Cabinet vote on the 60-day ceasefire and replacement agreement, with the aim of formally rejecting it. Netanyahu did not agree either.

According to The Times of Israel, Zamir warned at the meeting that the plan to take over Gaza City lacks a "coherent exit strategy", which would instead trap Israel in the Gaza Strip and eventually force it to establish a "military government" there. The far-right settlement affairs minister, Struck, denounced Zamir as a "coward".

According to Israel's Channel 13 TV, Zamir sarcastically asked cabinet ministers who insisted on defeating Hamas, "Where were you when Hamas raided Israel on October 7, 2023?"

In addition, according to Israel's Today newspaper, this security cabinet meeting also discussed a plan to deal with the upcoming recognition of the Palestinian State by France and other countries by annexing parts of the West Bank. The target of the annexation is the Jordan Valley rather than the entire West Bank.

A group representing the families of Israeli detainees issued a statement on the 1st in response to reports that Netanyahu refused a phased ceasefire agreement, accusing Netanyahu of sacrificing detainees and Israeli soldiers for his personal "political survival".