Resettling Gaza seen as key strategy in overcoming Hamas, supported by hundreds of officers and reservists
In a recent development, hundreds of Israeli reserve soldiers and senior officers have petitioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet, calling for a redefinition of war objectives in Gaza. The petition, which includes around a hundred reserve soldiers from various branches of the IDF, demands full occupation of Gaza, expulsion of Hamas, and Jewish settlement as essential steps towards victory and security[1].
These soldiers, who have left families, children, and businesses behind to risk their lives for the country, emphasize their unwavering commitment to their cause. They argue that the defeat of Hamas requires more than mere euphemisms; it necessitates full occupation, expulsion, and settlement of Gaza[1].
The petition's key message is clear: "Enough with the euphemisms. The defeat of Hamas = full occupation, full expulsion, and full settlement"[1]. This stance contrasts sharply with the government's rhetoric, with Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly stating the war objective is to "free Gaza from Hamas terrorists" rather than occupy Gaza[4].
The controversy extends beyond the political arena, with hundreds of retired Israeli Air Force officers protesting against the prolonged war, calling for an immediate cessation to save Israeli hostages and Palestinian civilians[2]. Some former high-ranking military officials, like the ex-Air Force commander Dan Halutz, have publicly questioned the war's strategic necessity and called for an end to the campaign, arguing Gaza's military threat is neutralized[2].
The Israeli Air Force has responded by announcing plans to dismiss any active reservist pilots who signed a public letter demanding an immediate end to hostilities to ensure hostage safety[5].
Regarding settlement ambitions, there has been noted political opposition within Israel and from Egypt to permanent occupation or Israeli settlements in Gaza, particularly in sensitive areas like the Philadelphi Corridor bordering Egypt. Netanyahu insists on keeping parts such as the corridor to prevent weapon smuggling, conflicting with earlier ceasefire proposals and drawing Palestinian and Egyptian criticism[3].
This situation highlights a deep division within Israeli society and its military establishment about the scope, goals, and consequences of the ongoing Gaza conflict as of August 2025. The IDF is expected to call up more reservists next week, as the conflict continues to unfold.
References: 1. Israeli Reservists Petition for Bold War Objectives 2. Retired Israeli Military Personnel Protest Against Prolonged War 3. Egyptian Criticism of Israeli Settlement Plans in Gaza 4. Netanyahu's Statement on War Objectives 5. Israeli Air Force's Response to Dismissal Threats
- The petition from Israeli reserve soldiers, focusing on war objectives in Gaza, calls for a redefinition that includes full occupation, expulsion of Hamas, and Jewish settlement, positioning themselves against the government's stated objective of freeing Gaza from Hamas terrorists.
- The controversy over the ongoing Gaza conflict extends to the political arena, with discussions about the essential steps towards victory and security involving war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news.
