Critical Views on Netanyahu's Gaza Strategy Among Top Military Leaders in Israel
Israel's decision to take control of Gaza City has faced criticism from key international allies, Israel's own military, and human rights groups. The Israeli military leadership prefers a new ceasefire instead of renewed fighting, according to reports.
The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, but the military's chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has objected to expanding the war in Gaza due to concerns about reservist exhaustion and fitness. This opposition is shared by families of hostages who were taken captive during an attack in October 2023, with more than three dozen hostages having been killed while in captivity.
The Israeli government's decision to escalate the war in Gaza is concerning for Israeli officials due to the risk it poses to the lives of hostages. Retired major general Gadi Shamni, a former commander of Israeli forces in Gaza, is against the plan to widen operations in Gaza. Shamni believes another raid on Gaza City will not bring about a fundamental change to Hamas' power in Gaza or its position in ceasefire negotiations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain has urged Israel to reconsider its decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza, and Amnesty International has expressed concern over the plans approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet. The U.N. Security Council has scheduled meetings for the weekend to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
Despite this opposition and concern, Israel has shown no sign of backing down from carrying out a new Gaza operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel intends to take control of all of Gaza, but his office has only said the military will prepare to take over Gaza City. Netanyahu may be using the threat of a new Israeli operation as a way to extract concessions from Hamas.
American and Israeli officials have suggested an all-or-nothing deal for the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and terms to end the war that include Hamas' disarmament. However, Shamni believes the plan will create more bereaved families, harm Israel's standing in the world, undermine the economy, and deepen the crisis of trust between the government and the military.
Germany has halted exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza, reflecting the international concern over the situation. Up to 20 living hostages are believed to still be in the territory, along with the remains of 30 others, according to Israeli authorities.
The coastal strip stretching from Gaza City in the north to Khan Younis in the south is the main area outside Israeli control. Israeli troops have already conquered about 75% of Gaza, and the Israeli military has conducted several raids in Gaza City, but Hamas has managed to regroup each time.
Shamni believes another raid on Gaza City will not bring about a fundamental change to Hamas' power in Gaza or its position in ceasefire negotiations. The international community is closely watching the developments in the Middle East and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- The Israeli government's decision to take control of Gaza City has faced opposition and concern from international allies, the Israeli military's leadership, human rights groups, and retired military officials like Major General Gadi Shamni.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Amnesty International, and the U.N. Security Council have expressed concerns over Israel's plan to escalate the war in Gaza, while Germany has halted exports of military equipment to Israel due to these developments.
- The international community is closely watching the developments in the Middle East and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with retired major general Gadi Shamni believing another raid on Gaza City will not bring about a fundamental change to Hamas' power or its position in ceasefire negotiations and may harm Israel's standing in the world, undermine the economy, and deepen the crisis of trust between the government and military.
