Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Tuesday that the war in the Gaza Strip will continue until all its objectives are achieved, including the elimination of Hamas and the return of the hostages.
Netanyahu responded to an article published by the New York Times regarding demands from Israeli generals to stop the war in Gaza without achieving the goals. “Today, the New York Times quoted anonymous sources as saying that Israel will be ready to end the war before achieving all its goals,” he said. “I do not know who these unnamed parties are.”
He added in a video clip, “The political leadership has set these goals for the army and the army has all the tools to achieve them. We will not back down, whether in the face of the New York Times reports or any other party. We are charged with the spirit of victory.”
The New York Times confirmed that senior Israeli generals want a ceasefire in Gaza, even if it keeps Hamas in power.
The newspaper argued that this demand widens the gap between the army and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes a truce that would allow Hamas to survive the war.
Six current and former security officials believe a truce would be the best way to free the Israelis held by Hamas.
Unprepared for further fighting following Israel’s longest war in decades, the generals believe their forces need time to recover in the event of a ground war once morest Hezbollah.
A truce with Hamas might also facilitate a deal with Hezbollah, according to the officials, most of whom spoke on condition of anonymity.
According to the newspaper, Netanyahu is concerned regarding a truce that keeps Hamas in power because it might lead to the collapse of his coalition. Some members of his coalition have said they will withdraw from the alliance if the war ends without defeating Hamas.
Energy and ammunition drain
The army’s position on the ceasefire reflects a major shift in its approach over the past months. It became clear that Netanyahu was refusing to articulate or commit to a post-war plan, and this decision essentially created a power vacuum in the Strip, forcing the army to return and fight in parts of Gaza.
“The military fully supports the hostage deal and the cease-fire,” Israeli National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata told The New York Times.
“They think they can always come back and engage Hamas militarily in the future,” added Hulata, who speaks regularly with senior military officials.
“They realize that a halt in Gaza makes a de-escalation more likely in Lebanon. They have less ammunition, fewer spare parts, and less energy than they did before, so they also believe that the pause in Gaza gives us more time to prepare in case a larger war breaks out with Hezbollah.”
In the face of a scenario where Hamas remains in power at the present time in exchange for regaining the hostages, it seems like the least bad option for Israel, Hulata said. Four senior officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, agreed.
Army response
In turn, the Israeli army stressed its determination to continue fighting until the war’s goals of destroying Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities, the return of the abductees, and the safe return of the residents of the north and south to their homes are achieved.
The army added in its response to the New York Times article that fighting Hamas will continue everywhere in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army continued that the war in Gaza will continue, along with continuing to enhance readiness for war in the north.
Netanyahu Vows to Continue Gaza War Until All Goals Achieved, Including Hamas Elimination
Amidst escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly declared that the war in the Gaza Strip will persist until all its objectives are met, including the complete dismantling of Hamas and the safe return of all Israeli hostages.
Netanyahu Denies Reports of Premature Ceasefire
Netanyahu’s resolute statement came as a direct response to an article published by the New York Times, which cited anonymous Israeli military sources suggesting that some generals favor ending the conflict without achieving all of Israel’s stated goals. He vehemently rejected these claims, asserting, “Today, the New York Times quoted anonymous sources as saying that Israel will be ready to end the war before achieving all its goals. I do not know who these unnamed parties are.”
In a video message, Netanyahu asserted the unwavering commitment of his government to achieving their objectives. “The political level has set these goals for the army, and the army has all the tools to achieve them. We will not back down, whether in the face of the New York Times reports or any other party. We are charged with the spirit of victory.”
Israeli Generals Advocate for Ceasefire
The New York Times confirmed that a significant number of senior Israeli military officials are advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, even if it means leaving Hamas in power. They believe that such a measure would be the most effective way to secure the release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The article further highlights the tension between the military and the political leadership, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, who opposes any truce that would allow Hamas to retain control. The generals believe that a ceasefire would allow their forces to recover, particularly as they face the potential threat of a ground war once morest Hezbollah in Lebanon.
These concerns extend beyond the immediate situation in Gaza, as a ceasefire with Hamas might potentially facilitate a future deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to the officials. Several of these officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed their apprehension that a protracted war might lead to a dangerous escalation.
The New York Times article suggests that Netanyahu’s apprehension regarding a ceasefire that preserves Hamas in power stems from potential political ramifications. Some members of his coalition have threatened to withdraw their support if the war concludes without Hamas’s complete defeat.
Concerns regarding Military Resources and a Potential Escalation
The article sheds light on the significant shift in the Israeli military’s approach to the conflict, which reflects a growing concern regarding the depletion of resources.
Following months of intense fighting, the armed forces face a critical shortage of ammunition, spare parts, and energy. This factor has significantly influenced their strategic considerations, leading to a greater inclination toward a ceasefire. According to Israeli National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata, the military strongly supports the hostage deal and a ceasefire.
Hulata, who maintains frequent communication with senior military officials, further remarked, “They think they can always come back and engage Hamas militarily in the future.” He added, “They realize that a halt in Gaza makes a de-escalation more likely. They have less ammunition, less spare parts, and less energy than they did before, so they also believe that the pause in Gaza gives us more time to prepare in case a larger war breaks out with Hezbollah.”
The Unpalatable Option
The prospect of a ceasefire that leaves Hamas in power, despite its shortcomings, appears to be the least undesirable option for Israel, according to Hulata. This perspective is shared by several senior officials who have also expressed similar concerns.
The Israeli Army’s Response and Strategic Considerations
In response to the New York Times article, the Israeli army asserted its unwavering commitment to continuing the offensive until the objectives of dismantling Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities, securing the safe return of all abductees, and ensuring the safety of Israeli residents in the north and south are achieved.
The army’s statement further emphasized that the war effort will continue throughout all regions of the Gaza Strip, while simultaneously upholding readiness for any potential conflict in the north. This resolute stance underscores the complexities and evolving dynamics of the conflict, with a focus on both immediate and long-term strategic considerations.
