In a statement that has reverberated across military and political corridors, retired Israeli Army officer Aharon Bregman pronounced the indestructibility of Hamas, stating unequivocally that the group cannot be toppled either presently or in the future.
This assertion was reported by the American newspaper “The Wall Street Journal,” shedding light on the precarious situation following Israel’s withdrawal of thousands of soldiers from Gaza under pressure from the United States.
The move has escalated concerns among Israeli officials regarding a potential surge in armed activities within the nation.
The report further highlights the tension exacerbating these concerns, noting the launch of a barrage of rockets from central Gaza shortly after the withdrawal of Division 36 earlier this week.
Despite these developments, three divisions continue to operate in Gaza, stationed in the north, center, and south respectively.
According to Israeli Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari, the most significant deployment is in the Hamas stronghold of Khan Yunis, located in the southern part of the strip.
Adding to the discourse, retired Israeli General Giora Eiland criticized the shift in Israeli tactics, suggesting that it would allow more civilians, along with militants, to return to northern Gaza. Eiland lamented the steep price paid for what he fears will soon prove to be a futile endeavor.
Echoing Bregman’s sentiments, a former Israeli Army officer and professor of political science at King’s College in London, emphasized the futility of seeking a comprehensive victory over Hamas.
He suggested that without achieving a decisive triumph, Israel might have to settle for less ambitious objectives than those traditionally sought in warfare. Bregman pointed out that despite official statements to the contrary, the goal of completely overthrowing Hamas is unattainable, both now and in the foreseeable future.
The candid admissions by these military experts not only reflect a sobering reassessment of Israel’s strategic position but also underscore the complex and enduring nature of the conflict in the region.
As both sides continue to grapple with this reality, the international community watches closely, awaiting the next developments in this longstanding and deeply entrenched conflict.