Israeli top military generals are urging for a ceasefire in Gaza, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in opposition to this truce, ultimately breaching the relationship with the Israeli occupation forces (IOF).
The New York Times conducted interviews with current and former Israeli generals who are in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, likely leading to a truce with the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon – Hezbollah, especially since they believe it is the most suitable solution in their vulnerable state.
“They [IOF] understand that a pause in Gaza makes de-escalation more likely in Lebanon. And they have less munitions, less spare parts, less energy than they did before — so they also think a pause in Gaza gives us more time to prepare in case a bigger war does break out with Hezbollah,” said former national security advisor Eyal Hulata, stressing the occupied forces’ support for a full ceasefire.
“Israel’s” ongoing nine-month wars on Gaza and Hezbollah in South Lebanon have resulted in a significant shortage of resources, manpower, and motivation, with more than 300 IOF soldiers killed and over 4,000 injured soldiers, according to Israeli numbers which are often underreported.
Some Israeli tanks in Gaza are not loaded to their full capacity and the occupation forces are running low on shells, according to military officials. Additionally, several officials stated that there is a presence of rapid distrust in the occupation forces with their commanders, leading to a lack of confidence in military leadership.
Buying time
Hezbollah’s war with “Israel” is in support of the Palestinian people, who are enduring daily bombardments by the occupation. According to Hezbollah, their cessation of hostilities with “Israel” is dependent on the occupation forces’ implementation of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Multiple Israeli military officials believe that this decision may give the occupation forces additional time to prepare for the potential outbreak of war on the Lebanese front, straying from their main war goals of “defeating Hamas and rescuing the hostages captured by Hamas.” Essentially, the military high command concluded these objectives were unattainable at the moment.
“If we’re dragged into a bigger war, we have enough resources and manpower,” Hulata said. “But we’d like to do it in the best conditions we can. And at the moment, we don’t have the best conditions.”
Netanyahu, in contrast, is opposed to the proposition of a truce since he believes this decision would enable a Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip.
‘Israel’ to end Rafah operation
The Israeli occupation military plans to conclude its operation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, in the coming days, ending the ongoing war on Gaza in its current form, Israeli media reported.
Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly holding discussions with senior military leaders about ending the Rafah operation and dramatically altering the nature of the war on Gaza.
Israeli media indicated that this meant the military would be transitioning to a phase of concentrated and targeted raids accompanied by airstrikes.
