After IOF fail in Gaza, 'Israel' must pay political price: INSS

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
14 Jan 2024 11:09

After 100 days of the genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, "Israel's" INSS Director says it is possible that "Israel" must pay a political price for its military failure if it wants to achieve any of its Gaza war goals.

A screenshot from a video released by the al-Qassam military media on January 13, 2024, of a Resistance fighter targeting an Israeli occupation tank from very close range. (Military media)

The Director of the Institute of the National Security Studies (INSS) in the occupation entity and former head of Aman [Israeli Military Intelligence], Major General Tamir Hayman, saw that with the war on Gaza reaching its 100th day, "Israel" is reaching a decisive turning point, and the options of the political level are limited to two options.

The dilemma, according to Hayman, has become political. After a hundred days of war and still failing to eliminate the Hamas Resistance group's leadership or deal with the Rafah Brigade, "Israel" should change its approach and leave most previously set goals behind. "Israel", according to Hayman, must opt for a swap deal that would bring the war to an end, even if at the cost of allowing Hamas to continue governing.

As for the second option, it involves pursuing a regional deal mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia. In this case, as well, the war will end through a swap deal, but the price will be "Israel's" agreement to a political peace process with the Palestinian Authority.

Hyman suggested that the government might opt for delaying decision-making and rely solely on military action, which could be a pragmatic choice for the current coalition. However, he emphasized that this approach would not lead to a stable final state and does not guarantee the achievement of formerly set war objectives.

According to Hyman, the Israeli leadership faces a crucial decision between the first two options, both involving unpopular political measures but ensuring partial achievement of war goals; at least in terms of returning captives being held in the Gaza Strip.

Alternatively, they could commit to defeating Hamas militarily, potentially expanding the conflict to the north. However, the likelihood of achieving a fundamental change in the national security balance remains uncertain.

In conclusion, Hyman points out that if the war continues, doubts arise, especially regarding the possibility of the return of captives.

Hamas to families of IOF soldiers taken in 2014: Do you remember them?

Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades stated on Saturday that it lost contact with one of its groups in Gaza, in charge of the affairs of four Israeli soldiers captured during the 2014 Israeli war on the Strip.

The Resistance group revealed this incident in a video featuring a recorded message directed to the families of the captured soldiers, titled "Time is passing... and running out."

In the short clip, al-Qassam addressed the families saying that 10 years have passed since the soldiers were captured, while "[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's government has neglected your sons and did not bring them back. Unfortunately, contact with the cell responsible for them has been lost."

The video also showed the pictures and names of the 4 Israelis, who are; Avera Mengistu, Hisham al-Sayed, Oron Shaul, and Hadar Goldin.