Ex-Israeli PM Ehud Barak says war with Hezbollah 'strategic mistake'
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Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak criticizes the Israeli leadership and underlines that any war with Hezbollah would be a blunder for "Israel".
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Fire burns near electricity pylons located close to the settlement of Ramot Naftali, by the border with Lebanon, northern occupied Palestine, Tuesday, June 4, 2024 (AP)
The Israeli occupation is struggling without a clear plan for the future, and it is closer to defeat than achieving a full victory, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday.
In an interview with Israel Hayom, Barak remarked, "The reality is harsh. Israel did not win on October 7, nor has it won the ongoing war. In fact, we are nearer to defeat than to victory."
He warned that the Israeli occupation is "just a step away from defeat, not absolute victory," and that the situation could escalate into a full-scale war. Barak stressed the importance of working with the United States and other moderate nations to prevent such an outcome.
Regarding the potential for a war with Lebanon, Barak highlighted the risk of a broader regional war if the occupation engages Hezbollah. He called this a potential "strategic mistake" that could come with a heavy and painful price.
He emphasized the importance of preventing war in the north, arguing that any conflict there would likely not yield better results than could be achieved through a negotiated agreement.
Barak also addressed the issue of prisoners, urging the Israeli occupation to complete a prisoner exchange deal and halt the war in Gaza, even if it means accepting an "exchange of all prisoners."
He added that while "Israel" must prepare for a potential all-out war with Hezbollah, it should first finalize the prisoner exchange and focus on preventing further escalation. According to Barak, calming the situation in Gaza through a prisoner deal could lead to a de-escalation in the north as well, even if the agreement is only temporary.
'Greatest failure'
Israeli Reserve General Tal Rousso said what happened in the Gaza envelope on October 7 last year is "Israel's" greatest failure as the invasion of the besieged Strip nears its one-year mark next month.
Talking to the Kan 11 News channel, Rousso stated the "entire leadership responsible for the events of October 7 and those connected to it, even prior leaders, must recognize that their roles have come to an end," and called for a new generation of leaders to step in.
Regarding the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas, Rousso acknowledged that the group has neither been defeated nor "eliminated" in its current state.
He warned that if the current pace of fighting continues, it could take "five years to defeat Hamas in Gaza, prolonging Israel's military engagement in the region."
Read more: Hamas is not collapsing, 'Israel' is: Israeli media
However, Rousso pointed out that "Israel" cannot afford to deploy its entire military force in Gaza, as there are already three divisions stationed there.
