Israeli generals, low on munitions, want truce in Gaza

WORLD  02 July 2024 - 17:47

Israeli military leaders are advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza, even if it means allowing Hamas to remain in power temporarily. This stance reflects a growing rift between the top generals and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes any truce that would let Hamas survive the ongoing conflict.

According to interviews with current and former security officials, the generals believe that a truce is the best way to secure the release of around 120 Israelis currently held hostage in Gaza, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

They also argue that a cease-fire would allow Israeli forces to rest and prepare for a potential future conflict with Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia involved in a protracted, low-intensity battle with Israel since October.

The Israeli military, known as the General Staff Forum, includes about 30 senior officials such as the chief of staff and commanders of the army, air force, and navy. The shift in the military’s position on a cease-fire has become more evident over recent months as it became clear that Netanyahu has not presented a clear post-war strategy, which has led to a power vacuum in Gaza and necessitated renewed combat in areas previously cleared of Hamas forces.

Eyal Hulata, a former national security adviser, shared that the military supports a cease-fire as a practical measure to de-escalate the situation in Gaza and better prepare for possible future engagements with Hezbollah. Generals are concerned that continuing the fight in Gaza without a clear endgame could result in a protracted and resource-draining conflict, especially given the strain on munitions and personnel after nearly nine months of intense warfare.

The Israeli military’s statements and actions indicate that they have come to view the conflict as unsustainable in its current form. For example, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the military’s chief spokesman, has suggested that while Hamas cannot be entirely eradicated, a different, more sustainable approach to governance and security in Gaza needs to be considered.

General Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff, has publicly highlighted the military’s achievements in dismantling significant elements of Hamas’s forces, suggesting that a truce could be a strategic move to reset and prepare for future challenges.

Netanyahu's office has yet to officially comment on the military’s proposal for a cease-fire, though he has publicly dismissed the idea of ending the war at this stage. Despite this, military officials have signaled that a pause in Gaza could facilitate future negotiations and military readiness for potential conflicts with other adversaries like Hezbollah.

Caliber.Az