According to Israeli media reports on the 1st, a fierce dispute broke out at the Security Cabinet meeting held the previous night. Prime Minister Netanyahu refused to accept a phased ceasefire agreement for Gaza, while IDF Chief of Staff Zamir warned that taking control of Gaza City would eventually lead to a full occupation of Gaza.
Hebrew-language outlets such as the 'New News' website reported that the closed-door Security Cabinet meeting was held in Tel Aviv, running from the evening of August 31 to the early hours of September 1 and lasting nearly six hours, mainly to discuss the Israeli military's plan to take over Gaza City. Zamir, along with Foreign Minister Sa'ar and Intelligence Minister Gamliel, hoped Netanyahu would accept the phased ceasefire agreement already agreed to by Hamas. Netanyahu refused, stating that a phased agreement was 'not on the table,' and that U.S. President Trump wanted him to do so.
Several far-right ministers urged Netanyahu to allow the Security Cabinet to vote on the 60-day ceasefire-for-hostages deal in order to officially reject it. Netanyahu did not agree to this either.
According to The Times of Israel, Zamir warned during the meeting that the plan to take over Gaza City lacked 'a coherent exit strategy,' and would instead entangle Israel further in Gaza, eventually forcing the establishment of 'military government' in Gaza. Far-right Settlements Minister Struck accused Zamir of being 'a coward.'
Channel 13 reported that Zamir sarcastically asked cabinet ministers who insisted on defeating Hamas: When Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 'where were you?'
In addition, Israel Hayom reported that the Security Cabinet meeting also discussed a plan to respond to France and other countries on the verge of recognizing the State of Palestine by annexing parts of the West Bank, targeting the Jordan Valley rather than the entirety of the West Bank.