A six-hour Israeli security cabinet hearing has revealed a split over the looming invasion of Gaza City, with the Jewish state’s top military chief pushing for a hostage exchange deal as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opts for all-out war, according to local reports.

During the closed-door overnight meeting, IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir vehemently opposed a Gaza City takeover , which he has repeatedly warned would endanger the lives of his soldiers and the remaining 48 hostages held by Hamas, the Times of Israel reported.

Netanyahu, however, rejected the general’s push to hold a vote over the current cease-fire deal on the table, which would see half of the living hostages freed and lay the groundwork for a permanent end to the war. 5

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Netanyahu has maintained

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