Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir has approved operational plans aimed at expanding the campaign in the Gaza Strip, the military said on Wednesday, following Israel's announcement that it plans to capture Gaza City.

Israel’s security cabinet has voted to expand the war in Gaza, marking a major escalation at a time when it is under intense domestic and international pressure to end the conflict.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has pushed back against a proposal to control Gaza City, according to officials. One hard-right member of the government suggested he could be dismissed.