On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari acknowledged that Israel’s war objective of eradicating Hamas is currently unattainable. Hagari’s comments highlight ongoing tensions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top military officials.
“This task of destroying Hamas, making Hamas disappear, is simply throwing sand in the public’s eyes. Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a party. It is rooted in the hearts of people – anyone who thinks we can eliminate Hamas is mistaken,” Hagari stated in an interview.
Hagari also warned that “if the government does not find an alternative, Hamas will remain” in the Gaza Strip.
In response, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement asserting that the security cabinet has defined the destruction of Hamas’s military and governance capabilities as a primary war goal.
“The IDF is, of course, committed to this,” the statement added.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit later clarified that the military is committed to the government’s declared war objectives, including destroying Hamas’s governance and military capabilities, adding that Hagari was referring to the eradication of Hamas as an ideology and idea.
“Any other claim takes the comments out of context,” they added.
Hagari’s recent comments echoed his previous statements from last month when asked about the army’s return to areas previously cleared of Hamas due to the government’s lack of decision on who would govern Gaza in place of Hamas.
“There is no doubt that a government alternative to Hamas will put pressure on Hamas, but that is a matter for the political echelon,” he said at the time.
Minister of Defense of Israel Yoav Gallant has urged Netanyahu to advance plans for post-war governance in Gaza, warning that failing to find a replacement for Hamas would undermine Israel’s military achievements, because Hamas could regroup and regain control of the enclave.
Gallant has also advised Netanyahu against Israeli military and civilian governance in Gaza, as proposed by some far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition.
Reports indicate that IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar recently clashed with Netanyahu over strategic planning. Additionally, National Unity leader Benny Gantz resigned from the emergency war government last week after the prime minister refused to present a post-war plan by the deadline set, Klix.ba writes.
E.Dz.
