Retired Israeli General Yitzhak Brik has issued a stark warning about the future of Israel amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah. In an article for Haaretz, he cautioned that Israel could face collapse within a year if the current war of attrition continues unabated. Brik, known as the 'Prophet of Wrath' for his accurate predictions regarding military conflicts, emphasized that Defense Minister Yoav Galant appears to be recognizing the severity of the situation. He stated that a failure to reach a diplomatic resolution regarding Gaza could lead to a broader regional war, putting Israel at great risk.
Brik articulated a grim assessment of the current military strategy, arguing that the ongoing conflict has lost its purpose. He noted the significant loss of life, with over 133,000 casualties since the onset of hostilities on October 7, including many children and women. The retired general expressed concern that Israel is becoming mired in a 'Gaza quagmire,' with no clear path to achieving the primary objective of toppling Hamas. He suggested that a change in leadership, particularly the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist allies, might be necessary to avert an existential crisis.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has continued its military operations in Gaza, disregarding UN Security Council resolutions and directives from the International Court of Justice aimed at preventing acts of genocide and alleviating the dire humanitarian situation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, raising urgent questions about the future of Israel and the region.