IDF spokesman says fully eliminating Hamas from Gaza is IMPOSSIBLE

07/15/2024 / By Richard Brown

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has publicly contradicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s objective of eliminating Hamas from Gaza, asserting that Hamas will likely maintain a presence in the region for the foreseeable future.

Speaking to ABC News, Hagari emphasized Israel’s anticipation of a prolonged conflict with Hamas, stating: “Will we still be discussing Hamas as a terrorist organization in Gaza five years from now? The answer is yes.”

Hagari’s recent remarks echo his earlier criticism of Netanyahu’s goals. “The idea of destroying Hamas, erasing Hamas – it’s simply misleading the public. Hamas is an ideology, a political entity deeply rooted in the populace. Anyone thinking we can eradicate Hamas is mistaken,” Hagari bluntly stated on June 19. (Related: IDF admits that Hamas CAN’T BE DESTROYED.)

Reportedly, Netanyahu privately rebuked Hagari for his comments, countering with a comparison: “There are members of Hamas in the West Bank, yet Hamas does not govern there. There are neo-Nazis in Germany, yet Nazi rule does not exist. Israel will dismantle Hamas’ governance and prevent its resurgence in Gaza, safeguarding Israel from threats.”

Despite repeated military actions by Israel targeting multiple civilian population centers in the tiny Gaza Strip, Hamas has managed to reestablish itself, challenging IDF efforts. This persistence underscores the complexities and challenges of Netanyahu’s aggressive strategies in achieving lasting security objectives.

The United States continues to provide steadfast military and political support to Israel, despite Hagari’s assertions and Netanyahu’s contentious military strategies, which include blocking potential ceasefire agreements to maintain political control.

Despite Israel signaling its willingness to consider Hamas’ latest ceasefire proposal, the situation in Gaza appears far from resolved.

Netanyahu wants to extend Gaza conflict as long as possible

Hagari’s remarks underscore a divergence from Netanyahu’s rhetoric, who earlier spoke of transitioning to a “next phase” characterized by lower-intensity conflict. However, this approach would maintain Israeli military presence and prioritize ongoing hostilities over securing the release of remaining Israeli captives.

Netanyahu has repeatedly asserted that the fighting will not cease until Hamas is decisively defeated. Yet, despite Israeli military actions targeting Hamas fighters and other Palestinian factions in Gaza, these groups have reemerged in areas previously declared under Israeli control, indicating a prolonged military presence.

Omar Rahman, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, commented on Netanyahu’s incentives, stating: “There’s a motivation to extend this conflict for as long as possible.” Analysts suggest that Israel’s strategic considerations and security imperatives are driving toward a potential reoccupation of Gaza, aiming to alter the demographic and political landscape in the enclave.

“Israel’s objective seems to be an enduring presence in Gaza, potentially leading to the displacement of Palestinians from their land,” noted Ihab Maharmeh of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. The recent military operations in Rafah, despite international concerns and limited opposition from the administration of President Joe Biden, underscore Israel’s strategic goals in Gaza.

The international community, including Arab states, has been cautious about involvement in Gaza’s reconstruction and governance under Israeli oversight. Despite Netanyahu’s proposals for regional involvement in managing Gaza post-conflict, responses from key Arab states like the United Arab Emirates have been tepid, citing reluctance to participate in civil administration under Israeli occupation.

Even amid domestic political pressures and opposition to Netanyahu’s policies, analysts argue that Israel’s stance on Gaza reflects broader consensus within its political establishment. This consensus underscores Israel’s challenge in disengaging militarily from Gaza without addressing the underlying political realities of Palestinian governance.

“While there’s reluctance to return governance to Hamas, the international community and Arab states are unlikely to assume responsibilities that effectively prolong Israeli control over Gaza,” Rahman emphasized. The unresolved dilemma persists, with Israel and its allies seeking to manage Gaza’s governance without legitimizing Hamas, yet facing resistance to external management without a sustainable political resolution.

Learn more about the unfolding situation in Israel and Gaza at IsraelCollapse.com.

Watch this clip from Tel Aviv of a protest featuring thousands of Israelis calling for an immediate ceasefire with the release of all hostages, Netanyahu’s ousting and new elections.

This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.