Israeli troops engaged in fierce battles with Hamas fighters in both northern and southern Gaza, leading to growing discontent among military officials within the Israeli government. The lack of a clear plan for post-conflict operations has resulted in soldiers having to repeatedly fight for control of areas in northern Gaza that have been reclaimed by Hamas. As cease-fire negotiations stall, the risks for Israeli troops continue to escalate.
Some high-ranking military officers and members of the war cabinet have expressed frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to outline a strategy for establishing an alternative governing authority in Gaza. This failure has allowed Hamas to regroup in areas like Jabaliya, where Israel launched a new offensive after an initial attack in October.
The absence of a coherent vision for the aftermath of the conflict has contributed to international backlash against Israel and a rising death toll among Palestinians in Gaza. Netanyahu’s insistence on the destruction of Hamas before any civilian government can be established has been met with skepticism, as analysts question the feasibility of such a goal.
While Israeli strategists anticipated the need for further military action in Gaza, there is a growing consensus among officials that establishing a new governing body in the region could weaken Hamas and alleviate the burden on the Israeli military. The military leadership is frustrated by the repetitive nature of their assignments, which they believe could be avoided with clearer strategic and political direction from the government.
Netanyahu’s political challenges include balancing the demands of right-wing parties advocating for a full-scale assault on Gaza against objections from the United States and Arab nations. The ongoing conflict underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive plan to address the long-term governance and security issues in Gaza.
Source from www.nytimes.com