Israeli settlers disillusioned by notion of 'absolute victory' in war
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Israeli media acknowledges that the Israeli public is profoundly disillusioned with the concept of “absolute victory,” emphasizing that many perceive it as an empty and unfounded notion rooted in hollow promises.
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Fighters from the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, control the crowd as Red Cross vehicles maneuver to collect Israeli captives to be released under a ceasefire agreement between "Israel" and Hamas, in Gaza City, on January 19, 2025. (AP)
The Israeli public's perception of "absolute victory" reflects profound disillusionment with the nation's political and military leadership. Many view this notion as a hollow promise, disconnected from the realities on the ground.
Following the ceasefire agreement and the prisoner-captive exchange deal, public sentiment shifted, with many seeing Hamas as the true victor. Meanwhile, "Israel" endured significant human and economic losses without securing any meaningful strategic gains.
Israelis view the concept of "absolute victory" as a symbol of the leadership's failure to manage wars and conflicts effectively. Ongoing security threats and the anticipation of future clashes have intensified feelings of frustration and despair. The absence of a clear, actionable vision to guarantee "Israel's" security and stability—despite the promises and goals set by leaders—has further undermined public trust and confidence.
Israeli settlers expressed outrage at the images from Gaza, showing Hamas fighters openly celebrating their victory. Scenes of fighter convoys in white Toyota vehicles, associated with Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, were seen as a provocative reminder of "Israel's" perceived failure in the war.
Settlers viewed these images as a direct affront to the concept of Israeli security, questioning the purpose and effectiveness of the war. This further deepened frustration and bitterness toward the political and military leadership, which had failed to deliver on its promises to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities.
Analyzing the perspectives of a substantial segment of the Israeli public on social media platforms reveals the following conclusions:
Sharp rejection of the concept of 'absolute victory'
The public dismissed the term "absolute victory" as a mere fantasy disconnected from reality, especially in light of the war's devastating humanitarian and military consequences. Many settlers argued that the situation remained unchanged from the outset, as Hamas retained its strength and openly celebrated its victory.
Criticism of political leadership
Comments widely criticized Netanyahu and his government for their apparent failure in managing the war, with some labeling the government a “government of absolute failure.” Netanyahu’s previous promises to eliminate Hamas were recalled, emphasizing the stark contrast between those assurances and the current situation.
Frustration with military leadership
The public criticized the performance of the Israeli occupation forces, the Chief of Staff, and military commanders, labeling them as ineffective in achieving the war’s objectives. The failure to target Hamas convoys in Gaza was cited as a clear example of military incompetence.
Mocking the deal and swap deal
Some settlers perceived the deal as a humiliating failure for "Israel"—describing it as a surrender—especially with the release of hundreds of Hamas detainees. Comments described the agreement as rebuilding Hamas's strength and delaying new rounds of fighting.
Focus on losses
The public highlighted the significant cost "Israel" incurred during the war, including thousands of deaths and injuries, a severely impacted economy, and diminished international confidence. Some viewed these losses as failing to result in any meaningful strategic shift in the security situation.
General frustration and despair
Many expressed deep despair about "Israel’s" future security, anticipating that similar scenarios will recur. Some viewed the continuous cycles of fighting as a clear indication of the government’s lack of vision and failure to provide effective, long-term solutions.
