Hebrew Channel 12 reported that Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told political leaders on Sunday that Hamas will not be militarily or politically defeated even after the occupation of Gaza City.
اضافة اعلان
This comes as the Israeli army expands its operations in Gaza City under orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demolishing entire residential neighborhoods despite repeated warnings that this could endanger the lives of hostages.
The channel stated that Zamir informed political leaders that the upcoming ground operation in Gaza City “will not achieve a complete resolution.” He added that the purpose of his position was to “align expectations with the government regarding the results of the anticipated ground operation.”
In a closed session, the Chief of Staff reportedly said that achieving a final resolution would require extending operations to other areas of the Gaza Strip, including central refugee camps, which could present a civilian challenge Israel’s military does not wish to bear.
According to security estimates, controlling Gaza could take several months up to half a year before a wider “clearing” phase begins.
The same channel reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu, during a security meeting earlier on Sunday, stressed the need to “begin the operation according to the agreed timeline,” amid growing concerns that the ground operation could endanger hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu reportedly discussed with ministers and security leaders the “possible scenarios” if Hamas harms or executes hostages during the fighting, though the channel did not reveal the steps being considered.
On August 8, the Israeli government officially approved a plan proposed by Netanyahu to gradually reoccupy the Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City.
Officially, the Israeli army launched an operation on September 3 named “Gideon’s Vehicles 2” aimed at fully occupying Gaza City, which drew criticism and protests within Israel due to fears for the lives of hostages and soldiers.
With U.S. support, Israel has committed acts in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in 64,871 Palestinians killed, 164,610 injured, most of them women and children, and hundreds of thousands displaced. A famine has claimed the lives of 422 Palestinians, including 145 children.
--(Agencies)
