Lapid Accuses Netanyahu's Government of Dragging Israel into ‘Eternal War' in Gaza - Jordan News

Jordan News

2 days ago

Lapid Accuses Netanyahu's Government of Dragging Israel into 'Eternal War' in Gaza Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid warned on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is dragging Tel Aviv into an 'eternal war' in the Gaza Strip. اضافة اعلان Since October 7, 2023, Israel—backed by the United States—has been waging a genocidal war in Gaza involving mass killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, all while disregarding international appeals and rulings by the International Court of Justice demanding a ceasefire. The war has resulted in over 210,000 Palestinian casualties, including martyrs and injured—mostly women and children—more than 9,000 missing persons, hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians, and widespread famine that has claimed the lives of many, including dozens of children. According to Army Radio, Lapid stated, 'The government's political leadership is dragging us into an endless war in Gaza without retrieving the hostages,' referring to the Israeli captives. Tel Aviv estimates that there are around 50 Israeli hostages in Gaza, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Meanwhile, Israel holds over 10,800 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom face torture, starvation, and medical neglect, leading to several deaths, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights reports. Lapid, while defending the initial military response, said: 'We were right to go to war, but it has now become pointless. It's crushing our international efforts and failing to bring back the hostages.' He also warned that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are pushing for reoccupation of the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi (mentioned as Eyal Zamir in the article) cautioned that 'any large-scale military operation in Gaza could endanger the lives of the Israeli hostages,' according to Israeli media. Channel 13 reported that this warning comes as the government considers expanding military operations in Gaza after indirect negotiations with Hamas stalled. Security sources told the channel that the army is exploring options including taking control of additional areas in Gaza, such as Gaza City and central refugee camps, or surrounding and isolating them to pressure Hamas. Last week, Israel withdrew from indirect negotiations with Hamas in Doha, due to its refusal to commit to withdrawing from Gaza, ending the war, addressing the issue of Palestinian detainees, and allowing an effective mechanism for humanitarian aid. According to a recent poll by the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies, 52% of Israelis hold their government fully or partially responsible for failing to reach a deal with Hamas. Hamas has repeatedly stated its willingness to release all Israeli captives in exchange for ending the genocide, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, opposition figures and families of the hostages accuse Netanyahu—wanted by the International Criminal Court—of pursuing partial deals to prolong the war and cling to power, fearing his government would collapse if the far-right faction withdrew over ending the conflict. For decades, Israel has occupied Palestinian land as well as territories in Syria and Lebanon, and continues to reject withdrawal or the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the pre-1967 borders.
— (Anadolu Agency)