In Gaza, the Israeli military continues its offensive while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks more support for the assault on the Palestinian enclave. However, a growing divide between the generals and the government has emerged, with disagreements over conscription, war conduct, and the end of the conflict. Netanyahu insists on the destruction of Hamas as a condition for ending the war, while the military acknowledges the impossibility of such a goal.
The rise of the far-right within Israel’s political establishment has complicated the situation, with ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich wielding influence over national policy, including potential ceasefire deals in Gaza. The far-right’s critical view of the army stems from the military’s role in past events, and its progressive culture is also a point of contention. The far-right’s influence within the military is on the rise, with more officers coming from hardline religious Zionist communities.
Criticism within Israeli society and signs of war fatigue are growing, with increasing inquiries from individuals seeking to avoid military service or refusing to return after traumatic deployments. The army faces challenges of understaffing, lack of equipment, and unclear victory prospects after almost 10 months of war. As the far right gains power within the military and political ranks, the army finds itself surrounded by internal conflicts and external threats.
Ultimately, the differences between the military and the government, as well as the influence of the far-right, have created a complex and challenging environment for Israel’s operations in Gaza and beyond. The ongoing war, the disagreements over tactics, and the pressure on the army highlight the difficulties faced by Israel as it navigates internal divisions and external conflicts.
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