Even before this week's confrontation, Katz had a personal dispute with Zamir over his wish to see his military secretary, Brigadier General Guy Markizeno, promoted to Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories with the rank of major general.
Both Katz and Zamir seem ready for a fight, although Katz is acting primarily on Netanyahu's behalf. The difference is that the prime minister and his minister appear unconstrained by conscience or professional considerations. Zamir is taking a high-stakes gamble. Despite the public impact of such a showdown, it is possible they may try to remove him on the eve of a Gaza City offensive, if one takes place.
The aim would be to reshape the IDF and the Shin Bet alongside it into bodies resembling the police under far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The thought of conducting such a dangerous, divisive military operation under those conditions is chilling.