War on Gaza fails to achieve 'Israel’s' strategic goals: Israeli media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
1 Jan 2025 17:58

"Israel's" Maariv newspaper raises concerns over the prolonged Israeli war on Gaza and on other fronts.

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Israeli soldiers board an armored vehicle to enter the Gaza Strip at the border with Gaza, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. (AP)

The Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has failed to achieve any of the strategic objectives, Israeli media said on Wednesday.

According to Maariv, the war on Gaza has made no progress on the captive issue or exerted any significant pressure on Hamas regarding the matter. They further noted that the war has neither led to Hamas' collapse nor prompted the group to surrender, nor has it incited a popular uprising against the movement.

Additionally, the reports highlighted that battles are still ongoing in every part of northern Gaza, making it difficult to establish a new reality on the ground.

On Wednesday, Israeli media discussed the numerous challenges facing the Israeli military as a new year begins.

They emphasized that the prolonged war has exhausted both regular and reserve forces, pointing out that there has been no political breakthrough regarding the release of captives throughout 2024. They questioned whether any army in the world had faced such a test since the end of World War II.

Earlier, Avi Ashkenazi, a correspondent for northern and military affairs at "Israel’s" Maariv newspaper, suggested that "Israel" is beginning to feel stuck in the Gaza quagmire, with a lack of strategic direction for the future.

Israeli military faces numerous challenges

Maariv newspaper described 2024 as an exceptionally turbulent year, with war in Gaza and Lebanon, direct confrontations with Iran, developments in Syria, and attempts to curb violent clashes in the West Bank.

The report noted that no progress has been made in the captive release negotiations throughout the year. It stated that neither the Israeli military nor the broader security establishment has ever fought such a prolonged war across multiple fronts.

The newspaper further raised concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the Syrian border's future, the evolving situation with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the unresolved issue of Iran’s nuclear program.

Moreover, Maariv highlighted the upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, suggesting that his return to the White House could significantly shape the region's security landscape.

The report warned against the military transforming into a politicized entity, emphasizing that maintaining professionalism and discipline is crucial for preserving the military's credibility and effectiveness.