Israeli military spokesman questions Netanyahu’s plan to destroy Hamas

TEL AVIV: In a recent interview, Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, sparked controversy by questioning Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan of completely dismantling Hamas in Gaza.

According to Al Jazeera, after nine months of conflict resulting in significant Palestinian casualties, Hagari argued that eliminating Hamas was impractical and likened Netanyahu’s plan to misleading the public.

Read more: Israeli army releases 33 Palestinian detainees from Gaza

“Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a party. It’s rooted in the hearts of the people – whoever thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong,” Hagari stated in an interview with Israel’s Channel 13 broadcaster, as reported by Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut from Amman, Jordan.

Hagari’s remarks directly challenge Netanyahu’s office, which has consistently stressed eradicating Hamas’ military and governing capabilities as a central pillar of its war strategy. Responding to Hagari’s comments, Netanyahu’s office stated it was committed to the security cabinet’s objectives and that the Israeli military was dedicated to achieving these goals.

Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut highlighted the contrast between military strategy and political rhetoric within Israel, noting that Hagari’s statement underscores the divergent views on the feasibility of eliminating Hamas.

The public disagreement reflects broader discontent and strategic differences within Netanyahu’s government over the conduct and objectives of the ongoing conflict. Former military chief and centrist politician Benny Gantz recently withdrew from Netanyahu’s war cabinet, citing frustration with the prime minister’s handling of the war effort.

A ceasefire negotiations mediated by international entities, including a recent proposal from US President Joe Biden, have stalled amid ongoing hostilities.

Israeli political analyst Akiva Eldar described Hagari’s comments as unprecedented, indicating a significant rift between Netanyahu’s administration and military strategists over the feasibility of their objectives in Gaza.

“It’s a kind of apocalyptic scenario that the army spokesman – who is reporting to the chief of staff – is just undermining Netanyahu’s doctrine,” Eldar said to Al Jazeera.

Read more: What weapons does Lebanon’s Hezbollah have?

Netanyahu’s frustration was evident when he criticised the military’s decision to declare a “tactical pause” in delivering humanitarian aid, suggesting a strain in communication and strategy between Israel’s political leadership and its military apparatus.