Netanyahu, Zamir's spar over Gaza operations leaves IDF chief as winner in the public eye

 IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has a higher public approval rating than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, according to a poll conducted for Maariv by Lazar Research and led by Dr. Menachem Lazar in cooperation with Panel4All.

The survey found that 50% of the public were satisfied with Zamir’s performance, 34% were dissatisfied, and 16% had no opinion.

Among respondents who voted for opposition parties, 63% said they were satisfied with Zamir, while 42% who voted for coalition parties also expressed satisfaction.

Netanyahu and Katz under heavy pressure

Thirty-six percent of the public said they were satisfied with Netanyahu’s performance, 59% said they were dissatisfied, and 5% were undecided.

Among coalition voters, 86% said they were satisfied with Netanyahu. Among opposition voters, 11% expressed satisfaction, and 70% said they were undecided.

Thirty-two percent of the public said they were satisfied with Katz’s performance, 57% said they were dissatisfied, and 11% were undecided.

Among coalition voters, 72% said they were satisfied with Katz, while 19% of opposition voters expressed satisfaction.

Netanyahu and Zamir have been at odds over what operations to carry out in the Israel-Hamas War. They seemed to be on the same page until Zamir crossed Netanyahu over his Gaza war policy last week.

Many defense officials believe the government’s new policy could lead to the deaths of the remaining hostages, many more soldiers, and Palestinian civilians, as well as harm Israel’s legitimacy without really weakening Hamas. According to some of them, Netanyahu has begun to blame Zamir for the current situation.