A high-ranking Israeli military officer has issued a stark warning about the future of the Israeli regime if the ongoing conflict in Gaza is not halted. Ishaq Brik, a reserve general of the Israeli Defense Forces, cautioned on Friday that continuing the war in Gaza could devolve into a prolonged war of attrition, ultimately leading to Israel's collapse.
According to Al Jazeera, General Brik highlighted the limitations of the Israeli military, stating, "The Israeli army is small and lacks surplus forces. With each passing day of the war in Gaza, the situation worsens. Israel cannot secure a victory over the Palestinian Hamas movement or the Lebanese Hezbollah. If the war continues, Israel will collapse."
Brik criticized Israel's political and military leadership for failing to acknowledge the dire situation they are responsible for, suggesting they are steering Israel towards disaster. He noted that Israel suffered a significant setback from the onset of the conflict in Gaza and should focus on pragmatic strategies rather than pursuing an unachievable absolute victory.
The general also pointed to Israel's growing international isolation as a consequence of its actions. The conflict has been ongoing for about eight months, marked by severe violence and allegations of war crimes and genocide against the people of Gaza. Despite initial promises, Israeli leaders have yet to deliver any substantial outcomes.
Recent reports from the Palestinian news agency Shahab indicated that Israeli airstrikes on residential buildings in Khan Yunis killed 10 Palestinians, including three children, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. This follows earlier strikes that killed 10 more Palestinians and injured several others in central Gaza.
Since the escalation began on October 7, 2023, with significant Western backing, Israel has been accused of widespread violence in Rafah and other parts of Gaza, with international bodies largely silent on these actions. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that at least 36,439 Palestinians have been killed and 82,082 injured during the conflict.
Efforts towards a ceasefire have stalled, with Hamas insisting on conditions that include a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of refugees. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated that Israel proposed a new ceasefire agreement, conveyed to Hamas through Qatar.
However, Israeli media, including Channel 13, suggests that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might obstruct any agreement to prevent the collapse of his government, reflecting the deep political divisions within Israel regarding the conflict.
As the situation remains dire, the call for an end to hostilities grows louder, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the crisis.
