Zamir's approval comes amid rising tensions between the IDF top brass and Netanyahu's government, after the IDF chief expressed concern over the planned operation. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet approved plans for the IDF to seize and occupy Gaza City -- the strip's largest urban area -- as part of an expanded military operation to "demilitarize" the strip and remove Hamas from power.

There have been vague statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but there is little clarity over the operation.