ISTANBUL

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir was barred on Monday night from entering Defense Minister Israel Katz’s office, despite a scheduled meeting between them, local media said on Tuesday.

Public broadcaster KAN, citing military sources, said Zamir arrived for a pre-arranged meeting, but was told Katz was busy.

The minister’s office claimed the chief of staff’s office had been informed that Katz would not attend, yet Zamir still showed up.

Zamir on Monday night held discussions on major general-level appointments in the army, but Katz’s office announced its refusal to approve them. Nevertheless, the army later published the list of the new appointments.

Tension has escalated between Zamir and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the latter’s plan to fully reoccupy the Gaza Strip.

Zamir informed senior officers and officials outside the military that Netanyahu’s family and aides are seeking to dismiss him, The Times of Israel reported.

It said Zamir made the statement during recent consultations with the General Staff and figures outside the army, including former chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi.

Zamir told officials that “the prime minister’s family marked him” after he opposed Netanyahu’s plan to conquer Gaza, the report claims.

Israel is facing mounting condemnation for its genocidal war on Gaza, where it has killed nearly 61,600 victims since October 2023.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.