The Israeli army warned that fulfilling the government's demand to destroy the city of Gaza could take a year, which may lead to a crisis in the reserve forces facing a decline in mobilization and motivation to fight. This warning comes amid the ongoing aggression against the besieged Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, which has resulted in a genocide that includes killing, starvation, and destruction.
According to military sources, carrying out a large-scale operation in the city of Gaza, similar to those conducted in Beit Hanoun and Rafah, could create a crisis within the reserve forces system. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that the army does not intend to launch an attack on the city until a zone is established to accommodate the residents, reflecting concerns about the repercussions of the military operation.
Reports indicate that fighting will not begin until the necessary operational and legal preparations are completed, despite pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite the process. So far, no areas have been established for the displacement of Palestinians, which requires infrastructure construction.
Military sources expect that evacuating the city of Gaza, home to about 1.2 million Palestinians, may take longer than the evacuation of Rafah, which was completed in two weeks. This delay could impact the army's plans and complicate the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
In a related context, Zamir presented a plan to the political leadership that allows the army to halt fighting quickly if negotiations with Hamas mature into an agreement that includes the release of prisoners and a ceasefire. Estimates suggest that there are 50 Israeli captives in Gaza, while more than 10,800 Palestinians in prisons suffer from harsh conditions.
Tension exists between senior military leaders and the political leadership regarding the Gaza City operation, as leaders fear for the lives of the hostages during the fighting. Political pressures are increasing, with ministers threatening to withdraw from the government if the operation to occupy Gaza City is not carried out.
The Israeli aggression against Gaza has resulted in the martyrdom of 62,622 Palestinians and the injury of 157,673 others, reflecting the scale of the humanitarian disaster afflicting the region. These figures indicate the necessity of taking urgent steps to end this aggression and achieve peace.
The army warns that fulfilling the political level's demand to destroy the city of Gaza could take about a year.
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Haaretz: The army warns of repercussions for its forces in the event of the destruction of Gaza City.