Why Netanyahu Refused to Sign Order for Large-Scale Ground Operation in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to sign an order for a large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip, fearing that he would lose public trust in the event of its failure. This was reported by The New York Times, citing sources within the Israeli government. The information was also relayed by TASS.

According to two sources who attended emergency cabinet meetings, Netanyahu "angered senior military officials by refusing to sign off on the invasion plan." The refusal is partly attributed to the Prime Minister’s desire for unanimous approval from the emergency cabinet members formed after the attacks on October 7.

Analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s rejection indicates existing disagreements within the cabinet, some of whom are considering a less ambitious Gaza invasion plan that would involve a series of operations affecting only a small part of the enclave, instead of one large-scale operation.

The Prime Minister appears to be hesitant to independently approve the military’s plan, fearing that amid declining public trust, he would be held accountable for any failures of the operation.