Israeli Military Chief criticizes Netanyahu’s lack of strategy
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi publicly criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not having a clear plan for governing Gaza after military operations, citing concerns over repeated military escalations
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi openly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this weekend, pointing out a serious absence of a post-war governance plan for Gaza, which has led to repeated military escalations in the region.
During a security meeting, Halevi condemned the prime minister’s failure to outline a future governance strategy for Gaza following the cessation of hostilities.
“We are now operating once again in Jabaliya. As long as there’s no diplomatic process to develop a governing body in the Strip that isn’t Hamas, we’ll have to launch campaigns again and again in other places to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure,” Channel 13 quoted Halevi saying.
His remarks reflect the military’s frustration with the ongoing need to engage in what he described as a “Sisyphean task.”
The criticism comes against a backdrop of renewed Israeli military operations in the northern Gaza region, particularly Jabaliya, signaling a deepening cycle of conflict without a clear end strategy.
Halevi’s pointed comments reflect a broader concern within the military and government about the lack of strategic foresight from Netanyahu’s administration.
Further complicating the leadership dynamic, a reported spat between Netanyahu and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar emerged over uncoordinated strategic meetings with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
According to Channel 12 news, an irate Netanyahu questioned Bar: “What?! You are holding strategic deliberations with the Defense Minister?” emphasizing that such meetings should not occur without his knowledge, as strategic deliberations must be centralized under his command.
This internal discord surfaces as Netanyahu faces mounting international and domestic pressure to formulate a clear governance strategy for Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden recently emphasized the necessity for a post-conflict plan, noting the global implications of Israel’s decisions.
Amid these criticisms, Netanyahu’s approach to cabinet discussions on Gaza’s future governance remains minimal, raising concerns about the potential instability of his coalition government.
Senior military officials and cabinet members have also voiced their discontent, warning that the lack of decisive leadership and clear strategic planning is not only risking Israeli lives but is also undermining potential paths to sustainable peace.
Source: Newsroom
