Tel Aviv – Israel
Acknowledgintg Difficulty in Eliminating Movement
In a stunning and politically charged statement, Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has made a shocking admission, declaring that occupying Gaza won’t end Hamas. The official statement acknowledges the difficulty in eliminating the movement and signals a profound shift in military and political thinking. The declaration, which directly contradicts the stated goals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, has sent shockwaves through the Israeli military and political establishment. The Chief of Staff’s candid assessment highlights the deep challenges facing Israel in its ongoing war against the Palestinian resistance, and casts a shadow of doubt over the long-term viability of the military’s strategy in the Gaza Strip.
A Candid Assessment from a Military Leader
General Halevi’s remarks came during a security briefing with senior military leaders and members of the Israeli Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. He stated that even if Israel were to successfully occupy the entire Gaza Strip, the Hamas movement would not be fully eliminated. “Hamas is an idea,” he was quoted as saying, “And you do not eliminate an idea with bullets.” Halevi explained that while military force can dismantle the group’s armed battalions and destroy its infrastructure, it cannot eradicate the ideology and popular support that sustain it. He cautioned that a prolonged occupation would require an immense and unsustainable military presence, and would inevitably lead to a new generation of resistance fighters, creating a perpetual cycle of violence. His admission is a stark departure from the public rhetoric of political leaders who have repeatedly vowed to achieve “total victory” over Hamas and dismantle it completely.
The Chief of Staff’s words were a reality check for a country that has been at war for nearly a year. He pointed to the challenges of fighting a non-state actor deeply embedded within a civilian population and highlighted the group’s ability to reconstitute itself, even after suffering heavy losses. Halevi also addressed the ongoing debate within Israel over who will govern Gaza after the war. He argued that without a clear and viable political alternative, the military’s efforts will ultimately be in vain, as a power vacuum would inevitably be filled by Hamas or other militant groups.
Key Headline Points of the Admission
* Ideology over Military Force: General Halevi’s statement asserted that Hamas is an idea that cannot be defeated by military force alone, signaling a shift in how the military views the conflict.
* Warning Against Occupation: The Chief of Staff warned that a prolonged Israeli occupation of Gaza would not achieve the stated goal of eliminating Hamas and would be militarily and financially unsustainable.
* Contradiction with Political Goals: The admission is a direct contradiction of the “total victory” rhetoric of the Netanyahu government, creating a clear rift between the military and political leadership.
* Call for a Political Alternative: Halevi’s remarks underscored the need for a viable political solution for post-war Gaza, without which the military’s efforts will ultimately fail.
* A Reality Check on the War: The statement has been interpreted as a candid reality check on the ongoing war, highlighting the immense challenges and the unlikelihood of a quick and decisive military victory.
Exclusive Insights and Political Backlash
An exclusive insight from a senior Israeli political source reveals that General Halevi’s statement has caused significant internal friction. “The Prime Minister is furious,” the source said on the condition of anonymity. “He sees this as a political move, a way for the military to shift the blame for the lack of a clear victory.” The source added that Netanyahu’s office believes that such public statements from military leaders undermine national resolve and give ammunition to Israel’s critics. The political backlash has been immediate, with hardline members of the government calling for Halevi’s resignation and accusing him of defeatism.
However, a military analyst speaking off the record stated that Halevi’s comments were not a political ploy but a necessary dose of reality. “The Chief of Staff is simply stating the obvious truth that the politicians are unwilling to face,” the analyst said. “You cannot destroy a resistance movement with tanks and planes. The only way to end Hamas is with a political solution that provides a viable alternative for the Palestinian people. The military has done its job, and now it is up to the political leadership to define a clear, achievable goal for the future.” This view suggests a growing divide between the military, which is focusing on tactical realities, and the government, which is prioritizing political optics.
The ramifications of Halevi’s admission are far-reaching. It could be seen as a sign of a new phase of the war, where military goals are re-evaluated and a political strategy for post-war Gaza is finally developed. It also adds significant pressure on Netanyahu to articulate a clear and achievable vision for the future of the Gaza Strip, a task he has so far failed to do. The statement will undoubtedly be welcomed by critics of the war, who see it as a validation of their long-held belief that military force alone cannot resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
