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.

The Israeli military said on Wednesday that chief of staff Eyal Zamir has approved the 'main concept' for an attack plan in the Gaza Strip. Israel has said it will launch a new offensive and seize control of Gaza City,