Smotrich expresses lack of faith that Netanyahu can secure triumphant leadership
In a stark criticism, a former Israeli official has expressed disapproval of the current military operation in Gaza, questioning its effectiveness and morality. The operation, aimed at decisively defeating Hamas, has been met with criticism for risking the lives of hostages and failing to achieve victory or secure a peace deal.
The former official, who worked closely with the Prime Minister on a plan for a dramatic victory in Gaza, believes that the current approach does not serve the intended purpose. They have called for the reconvening of the cabinet and the announcement of unequivocal intentions for a decisive victory, with no more stopping in the middle or partial deals.
Initially, the Prime Minister had supported the plan, discussing its details and expressing a desire for a decisive victory. However, a about-face was made, launching a military move whose purpose is not decisive victory but merely applying pressure on Hamas for a partial hostage deal. This shift in strategy has led to a loss of confidence in the Prime Minister's ability and willingness to lead the IDF to a decisive victory.
The IDF has made significant gains in the operation, with Hamas in Gaza being hit hard. Most of its leaders and a significant part of its terror infrastructure have been eliminated. However, the former official argues that if Hamas is given the option for a temporary pause, it will ask for a pause to refresh and agree to a temporary deal, causing the war to stop and the soldiers' efforts and sacrifices to go to waste.
The speaker has remained in the government despite horrendous decisions such as the release of murderous terrorists with blood on their hands and painful withdrawals from territories. Yet, their conscience does not allow them to support the current decision, which they believe does not achieve victory, bring home hostages, or win a war.
The operation, which involves the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) expanded offensive in the Gaza Strip, was approved in August 2025 with the goal of seizing and occupying Gaza City, the largest urban area in Gaza, to "demilitarize" the strip and remove Hamas from power. The outcome is ongoing and highly contested, with severe humanitarian consequences and international condemnation.
In light of these concerns, the former official has proposed an alternative approach. They suggest the annexation of large parts of the Gaza Strip and the opening of its gates to voluntary emigration. This approach aims to end the conflict with a clear move of decisive victory, which ends with Hamas's total surrender and the return of all hostages in one wave, or its total defeat and destruction.
The conflict in Gaza continues to unfold, with the international community closely watching the developments and expressing concerns over the humanitarian situation and potential violations of international law. The former official's call for a decisive victory and an end to the cycle of war resonates with many Israelis, who are tired of the ongoing conflict and its impact on their lives.
The former official, in wake of the disputed military operation in Gaza, has implored the reconvening of the cabinet and the announcement of a firm pursuit for decisive victory, rather than partial deals or temporary stops. Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts and politics in the region, their proposal for annexation of large parts of Gaza and voluntary emigration, promising a decisive end to the conflict, has received significant support among the general-news public.
