Israel's Quagmire: A War Without End
Former Major General Yisrael Ziv, who once led the Israeli army's Operations Division, has expressed grave concerns about Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza. He argues that the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is trapped in a situation where the war itself has become a means of political stability. Ziv highlights that the military's continued presence in the Philadelphi corridor is unjustified as no active tunnels have been discovered. He asserts that the current strategy of fighting without replacing Hamas is futile and results in unnecessary loss of lives.
Netanyahu's Political Survival Tied to Conflict
Ziv points out that many Israelis believe Netanyahu is prolonging the conflict to distract from his corruption trial, which has been ongoing since 2019, and to deflect criticism over his handling of the Al-Aqsa Flood attack on October 7, 2023. The former commander emphasizes that the situation is deteriorating rather than improving, with no clear end in sight. He argues that the Israeli army's primary focus now is to prevent Hamas from regaining strength, yet the war seems endless, contradicting Netanyahu's earlier claims of being 'one step away from victory.'
Escalating Tensions in the North and West Bank
In addition to the Gaza conflict, Ziv warns of escalating tensions with Hezbollah in the north and rising violence in the West Bank. He criticizes extremist ministers in Netanyahu's government for their role in igniting further conflict and destabilizing the region. Despite ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. for a ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with significant loss of life and destruction. Ziv's insights underscore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the dire need for a resolution.
- Ziv's commentary reflects a broader sentiment among military analysts and the public regarding the effectiveness of Israel's current military strategy. His assertion that the war has become a source of stability for Netanyahu's government raises critical questions about the intersection of military action and political maneuvering. As the conflict drags on, the toll on civilians in Gaza has been devastating, with reports indicating over 136,000 casualties, predominantly among vulnerable populations such as children and women. The international community has largely condemned the ongoing violence, yet Israel continues its military operations, disregarding calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention.
