Growing Rift between Israeli Military and Civilian Government

Tensions have escalated between Israel’s military commanders and the civilian government regarding the war in Gaza, leading to concerns about the future direction of the conflict. The divide has been brewing for some time, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies occasionally pointing fingers at the Israeli security services for failing to prevent a surprise attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. More recently, the military has expressed frustration over the government’s efforts to maintain exemptions from service for ultra-Orthodox Jews, despite stretched Israeli forces.

Public Clash on Postwar Strategy

The rift between the military and the government became more pronounced with candid remarks from Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the armed forces’ chief spokesman. Admiral Hagari raised concerns about the lack of a clear postwar vision for Gaza, warning that without a strategic plan, the gains against Hamas could be jeopardized. He emphasized the importance of bringing something new to Gaza to weaken Hamas, highlighting the need for decisive political leadership in shaping the future direction.

Differing Views on Achieving Victory

Admiral Hagari’s comments also touched on the differing perspectives on achieving victory over Hamas. He criticized Mr. Netanyahu’s emphasis on “absolute victory,” cautioning that the idea of completely eradicating Hamas was unrealistic. In response, Mr. Netanyahu’s office reiterated the government’s commitment to destroying Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, emphasizing that the military was aligned with this objective.