The ongoing conflict in Gaza is being critically assessed by former Israeli officials, highlighting a growing sentiment within Israel that the war is not yielding the desired outcomes.
The psychological and economic impacts of the war on Israeli society are becoming increasingly significant, suggesting a potential shift in public opinion regarding military engagements.
The situation with Hezbollah is complex, as Israel's demands for a ceasefire may not be acceptable to Lebanon, indicating a challenging path toward peace in the region.
If the war in Gaza continues without a clear strategy or achievable objectives, Israel may face greater internal dissent and international isolation.
The ongoing tensions with Hezbollah may lead to increased military actions if Israel's conditions are not met, potentially escalating the conflict further.
The outcome of the U.S. elections could significantly influence the dynamics of the negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah, as a change in administration may alter U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Former Israeli National Security Council Chief Giora Eiland has called for an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza, arguing that its continuation will not yield any strategic benefits for Israel. In a recent article, Eiland emphasized that the human toll of the conflict is outweighing any potential gains, with increasing casualties among Israeli soldiers and hostages. He warned that if the war continues, it will lead to the deaths of all captives and more soldiers, without altering the current situation in Gaza.
Eiland outlined four key reasons for halting the war: the rising human losses, the psychological impact on Israeli society, the economic burden of the conflict, and increasing international pressure for a ceasefire. He noted that the Israeli public's perception of soldier casualties has shifted from deep sorrow to indifference, complicating the morale of the troops.
In parallel, Israel has set forth stringent conditions for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, demanding active measures to prevent the militia from rearming and asserting its right to operate freely in Lebanese airspace. These demands coincide with the long-standing UN Resolution 1701, which Israel feels has not been adequately enforced since its introduction in 2006.
The U.S. has been involved in mediating the ceasefire negotiations, with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein labeling this moment as a 'last chance' for a resolution before the upcoming U.S. elections. However, Lebanese officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, have expressed reluctance to accept Israel's terms, which they believe contradict the established UN resolution.
