Military personnel from Israel questioning the tactical wisdom of the Gaza offensive campaign - Military's Israeli Regret Over Gaza Military Campaign
In a significant development, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been ordered to conquer Gaza City, the last remaining stronghold of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This move comes amidst growing tension and a protracted conflict that has claimed nearly 65,000 Palestinian lives, according to Hamas figures.
However, the IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, critically views this order and considers it a mistake. Zamir, along with many leading officers, former generals, and intelligence officers, expresses concerns about the potential risks and repercussions of the ground offensive.
The IDF is currently deploying two divisions, at least 20,000 soldiers, for the offensive in Gaza City, with a third expected to join in the coming days. This deployment is in response to the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas fighters believed to be in Gaza City, with military infrastructure in the form of tunnels still intact.
The air force is systematically destroying high-rise buildings, anti-tank missile positions, and surveillance cameras in preparation for the ground offensive. However, the focus remains on 'security before speed' to minimize risk to their own soldiers, as explosive devices that have cost many Israeli soldiers their lives are constantly being removed.
The political and military leadership of Israel, however, appears divided on this issue. While some see this as a necessary step, others, like Zamir, accuse the government of having no plan for the time after the war and see further risks. Zamir has repeatedly expressed concern about the fate of the approximately 20 living hostages remaining in Gaza City and has demanded a hostage deal with Hamas instead of an invasion.
Antisemitism is growing worldwide, and the ground offensive in Gaza could further exacerbate this issue. In Germany, for instance, anti-Semitic crimes are increasing rapidly, and Jewish artists are being boycotted, and sporting events are being disrupted by protesters because an Israeli team is participating. This could lead to even stronger international isolation for Israel.
The support for Israel in its Gaza offensive against Hamas is not uniform. Countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia have sanctioned Israeli ministers. The European Union is divided, but the European Commission has proposed wide-ranging sanctions against Israel. The United States generally supports Israel's actions, but specific recent support details were not present in the results.
Defense Minister Israel Katz tweeted that 'Gaza is burning' at the start of the ground offensive. Yet, the fear remains that this conflict could ultimately harm Israel's security more than it helps. The hope is for a swift and safe resolution, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
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