Latest news with #Generals'Plan
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Global Backlash: How The World Could Shift Israel's Gaza Strategy
The decision resonated as shocking for all sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose entire war strategy hinges on the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, unilaterally decided on May 19 to allow 'immediate' food entry to the famine-stricken Strip. Of course, Netanyahu still maneuvered. Instead of permitting at least 1,000 trucks of aid to enter the utterly destroyed and devastated Gaza per day, he initially allowed a mere nine trucks, a number that nominally increased in the following days. Even Netanyahu's staunch supporters, who fiercely criticized the decision, found themselves confounded by it. The prior understanding among Netanyahu's coalition partners regarding their ultimate plan in Gaza had been unequivocally clear: the total occupation of the Strip and the forced displacement of its population. The latter was articulated as a matter of explicit policy by Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich. 'Gaza will be entirely destroyed, civilians will be sent to... third countries,' he declared on May 6. For food to enter Gaza, however minuscule its quantity, directly violates the established understanding between the government and the military, under the leadership of Netanyahu's ally, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. These two significant additions to Netanyahu's war cabinet replaced Yoav Gallant and Herzi Halevi. With these new appointments, Netanyahu stood poised for his master plan. When the war commenced on October 7, 2023, the Israeli leader promised that he would take control of the Gaza Strip. This position evolved, or rather was clarified, to signify permanent occupation, though without the Palestinians themselves. To achieve such a lofty objective–lofty, given Israel's consistent failure to subdue the Palestinians over the course of nearly 600 days–Netanyahu and his men meticulously devised the "Gideon's Chariots" plan. The propaganda that accompanied this new strategy transcended all the hasbara that had accompanied previous plans, including the failed"Generals' Plan" of October 2024. The rationale behind this psychological warfare is to imprint upon the Palestinians in Gaza the indelible impression that their fate has been sealed, and that the future of Gaza can only be determined by Israel itself. The plan, however, a rehash of what is historically known as ' Sharon's Fingers,' is fundamentally predicated on sectionalizing Gaza into several distinct zones, and leveraging food as a tool for displacement into these camps, and ultimately, outside of Gaza. However, why would Netanyahu agree to allow food access outside his sinister scheme? The reason behind this relates profoundly to the explosion of global anger directed at Israel, particularly from its most staunch allies: Britain, France, Canada, Australia, among others. Unlike Spain, Norway, Ireland and others that have sharply criticized the Israeli genocide, a few Western capitals have remained committed to Israel throughout the war. Their commitment manifested in supportive political discourse, blaming Palestinians and absolving Israel; unhindered military support; and resolute shielding of Israel from legal accountability and political fallout on the global stage. Things began to change when US President Donald Trump slowly grasped that Netanyahu's war in Gaza was destined to become a permanent war and occupation, which would inevitably translate to the perpetual destabilization of the Middle East – hardly a pressing American priority at the moment. Leaked reports in US mainstream media, coupled with the noticeable lack of communication between Trump and Netanyahu, among other indicators, strongly suggested that the rift between Washington and Tel Aviv was not a mere ploy but a genuine policy shift. Though Washington had indicated that the "US has not abandoned Israel," the writing was clearly on the wall: Netanyahu's long-term strategy and the US' current strategy are hardly convergent. Despite the formidable political power of the pro-Israel lobby in the US, and its robust support on both sides of the Congressional aisle, Trump's position was strengthened by the fact that some pro-Israeli circles, also from both political parties, are fully aware that Netanyahu poses a danger not only to the US, but to Israel itself. A series of decisive actions taken by Trump further accentuated this shift, which received surprisingly little protest from the pro-Israel element in US power circles: continued talks with Iran, the truce with Ansarallah in Yemen, talks with Hamas, etc. Though refraining from openly criticizing Trump, Netanyahu intensified his killings of Palestinians, who fell in tragically large numbers. Many of the victims were already on the brink of starvation before they were mercilessly blown up by Israeli bombs. On May 19, Britain, Canada, and France jointly issued a strong statement threatening Israel with sanctions. This unfamiliar language was swiftly followed by action just a day later when Britain suspended trade talks with Israel. Netanyahu retaliated with furious language, unleashing his rage at Western capitals, which he accused of 'offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.' The decision to allow some food into Gaza, though patently insufficient to stave off the deepening famine, was meant as a distraction, as the Israeli war machine relentlessly continued to harvest the lives of countless Palestinians on a daily basis. While one welcomes the significant shifts in the West's position against Israel, it must remain abundantly clear that Netanyahu has no genuine interest in abandoning his plan of starving and ethnically cleansing Gaza. Though any action now will not fully reverse the impact of the genocide, there are still two million lives that can yet be saved. - Dr. Ramzy Baroud is a journalist, author and the Editor of The Palestine Chronicle. He is the author of six books. His latest book, co-edited with Ilan Pappé, is ' Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders and Intellectuals Speak Out'. His other books include 'My Father was a Freedom Fighter' and 'The Last Earth'. Baroud is a Non-resident Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA). His website is
Al Manar
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Al Manar
Architect of So-called Generals' Plan: 'Israel Failed Miserably in Gaza War'
The architect of the Israeli so-called Generals' Plan retired General Giora Eiland said the Zionist entity 'failed miserably in the Gaza war.' The Israeli newspaper Maariv has quoted the retired general and the former head of the so-called Israeli National Security Council as saying that 'Israel' failed in Gaza. Eiland, who masterminded the controversial plan for displacing Palestinians from northern Gaza, argued that the Israeli defeat can be assessed by examining which side achieved its objectives and imposed its will. He pointed to the recent developments in Gaza, stating, 'Look at the agreement—Israel opened the Rafah crossing and withdrew from the Netzarim axis, while thousands of Palestinians returned to the north.' Eiland noted that 'Hamas can dictate to us in phase two an agreement.' Although admitting the importance of recovering Israeli detainees currently held in Gaza, he said that Israel 'will also pay with the mass release of hundreds of prisoners.' In his remarks, Eiland advocated for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, stating that 'if you occupy the Strip and the civilians remain, Hamas will remain too. Apart from receiving terrible attacks against the occupying force, you will not gain anything.' Earlier in a comment piece for Ynet, described the Israeli war on Gaza as an 'absolute failure'. 'Israel has failed in three-and-a-half out of the four goals of the war: we have not demolished Hamas' military power; we have not overthrown Hamas' rule; we are not managing to return the residents… safely to their homes [in settlements], and as for the return of the abductees, the fourth goal – we have partially succeeded,' he wrote. He said Hamas had, conversely, 'achieved all of its goals, chief among them: continuing its rule in Gaza.' Former Israeli national security adviser Giora Eiland describes the recent war in Gaza as 'a resounding failure' for Israel, acknowledging that Hamas has not only prevented Israel from achieving its goals but has also secured its own — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) January 19, 2025 The Generals' Plan was published in late September 2024 by the Forum of Commanders and Soldiers in the Reserves, an Israeli NGO that defines itself as a professional body comprising more than 1,500 army officers. At its simplest, this plan involves ethnically cleansing the northern Gaza Strip of people; and then besieging the region, including stopping the entry of humanitarian supplies, to starve out anyone left, including Palestinian fighters. The original plan, also known as the Eiland Plan after its creator, was seen by Palestinians and rights groups as part of a long-term project of ethnic cleansing that would result in the reestablishment of Zionist settlements in Gaza.
Middle East Eye
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Architect of so-called Generals' Plan admits Israel's 'absolute failure' in Gaza
The architect of Israel's so-called Generals' Plan to depopulate northern Gaza has described the country's war in the enclave as an "absolute failure". The original plan, also known as the Eiland Plan after its creator Giora Eiland, a retired major general and former head of the Israeli National Security Council, was seen by Palestinians and rights groups as part of a long-term project of ethnic cleansing that would result in the restablishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza. However, writing in a comment piece for Ynet, Eiland said that Israel had failed to achieve its aims in Gaza. "Israel has failed in three-and-a-half out of the four goals of the war: we have not demolished Hamas' military power; we have not overthrown Hamas' rule; we are not managing to return the residents... safely to their homes [in Israel], and as for the return of the abductees, the fourth goal – we have partially succeeded," he wrote. He claimed Hamas had, conversely, "achieved all of its goals, chief among them: continuing its rule in Gaza." New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Eiland added that part of the problem was that the Israeli government had treated Hamas as purely a "terrorist" organisation when it had already established state power in Gaza, comparing them to Nazi Germany rather than the Islamic State (IS) group, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netayahu had done. The Generals' Plan was published in late September 2024 by the Forum of Commanders and Soldiers in the Reserves, an Israeli NGO that defines itself as a professional body comprising more than 1,500 army officers. In an interview on 29 October 2023, only weeks into the war, Eiland said that Israel needed to exert much stronger pressure on Hamas to achieve total victory. "The fact that we are breaking down in the face of humanitarian aid to Gaza is a serious mistake... Gaza must be completely destroyed: terrible chaos, severe humanitarian crisis, cries to heaven..." And in December 2023 he suggested that if Hamas was not willing to discuss Israeli hostages then humanitarian aid should be cut in the hope of ultimately deposing the Hamas leadership. Former Israeli national security adviser Giora Eiland describes the recent war in Gaza as 'a resounding failure' for Israel, acknowledging that Hamas has not only prevented Israel from achieving its goals but has also secured its own — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) January 19, 2025 There has been discussion about whether the Generals' Plan was partly underway during the Gaza war, which killed more than 60,000 Palestinians and saw millions displaced. In Israel, rights groups including Gisha, B'Tselem, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel and Yesh Din, said in October 2024 there were "alarming signs" that the plan was being implemented. Other Israeli experts have said, however, that they believed the Generals' Plan was "complete nonsense" and predicated on pre-7 October dynamics that were no longer relevant. Captive releases delayed Eiland's most recent comments come after Hamas said it would delay the release of the next tranche of Israeli captives "until further notice", accusing Israel of failing to comply with the terms of the ceasefire deal. The group was due to release some Israelis on 15 February in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees. What is Israel's 'Generals' Plan' and what does it mean for the war on Gaza? Read More » However, Abu Obaida, spokesman for Hamas's armed wing the Qassam Brigades, said this would be "postponed until further notice, pending the occupation's compliance and retroactive fulfilment of the past weeks' obligations". "We reaffirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation adheres to them," he added. Abu Obaida said the delay would continue until Israel halted its attacks on Palestinians returning to their homes in Gaza and allowed aid into the enclave at previously-agreed-to levels. Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, said this move from Hamas was "a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages". He said he had instructed the military "to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza". Former cabinet member Itamar Ben Gvir called for "a massive air and ground offensive on Gaza and a complete halt to humanitarian aid, including electricity, fuel, and water". However, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which advocates for the Israeli captives, said it had turned to the mediating countries for an intervention "that would restore the deal's implementation" and called on the government to "refrain from actions that jeopardise the signed agreement's implementation".
Asharq Al-Awsat
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Israeli Ex-General Says War Did Not End Well for His Country
A former Israeli general who had proposed a surrender-or-starve strategy for northern Gaza says 'the war has ended very badly' for Israel. Giora Eiland spoke to Israeli Army Radio on Monday as tens of thousands of Palestinians returned to the heavily destroyed north in accordance with a ceasefire reached with Hamas. Eiland said that by opening the Netzarim corridor, an Israeli military zone bisecting the territory, Israel had lost leverage over Hamas and would not be able to restore it, even if it resumes the war. 'We are at the mercy of Hamas,' he said. Eiland was the main author of the so-called Generals' Plan, which called for giving civilians in the northern third of Gaza a week to evacuate. The whole area would then be declared a closed military zone, sealed off from humanitarian aid, and anyone remaining would be considered a combatant. Last fall, the plan was presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which has not said whether it adopted parts of it. The Israeli military has denied carrying out the plan. Around the time it was publicized, in October, Israel launched a major operation in northern Gaza and sealed it off, allowing in hardly any aid. Tens of thousands of people were forced out, and the operation caused heavy destruction. Eiland said Israel had failed to achieve its stated goals, including destroying Hamas, removing it from power, restoring a sense of safety to Israeli border communities or safely returning dozens of hostages abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war. He said that Hamas, by contrast, 'has largely achieved everything it wanted.'
Middle East Eye
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Palestinians returning to northern Gaza hope to reunite with relatives, whether dead or alive
As Palestinians make their way back to northern Gaza following Israel's withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor, thousands of people are intent on being reunited with their loved ones, even if it's just to find their remains for burial. More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza over the past year, with the majority being women and children. Thousands more are believed to be buried under the ruins of buildings destroyed by Israel. Now after a ceasefire brought a halt to fighting and forced an Israeli withdrawal from northern Gaza, many Palestinians are going back to their homes there. Kabir Rusoomi, who hails from Beit Lahia, told Middle East Eye that she was making her way north to find her loved ones - those who are alive and those who are dead. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "The north is the heart and soul, the north is the land we lost. We hope to envelope ourselves in this land, the land of our homes, and the land of our people who are lost," she said. "I'm going home to meet everyone," Rusoomi added, as she listed the family members she knows have been killed in the war. "Even if they [Israel] destroyed it, we want to rebuild, even if they levelled it, we want to bring it up once more, and if our people are gone, we want to compensate them," Rusoomi continued. 'This is ethnic cleansing': Trump faces backlash over Gaza proposal Read More » In northern Gaza, at least 5,000 people have been killed or are missing, with another 9,500 wounded as a result of an ethnic cleansing campaign dubbed the "Generals' Plan", which began in early October last year, a medical source told Al Jazeera. Proposed and promoted by a group of senior Israeli army reservists, the plan involves forcibly displacing the entire population of northern Gaza, and then besieging the area, in order to starve out anyone left. The failure of the plan has - temporarily at least - given hope to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza that they will be able to rebuild their old lives. On the Mediterranean shores of northern Gaza, MEE encountered one young man and his uncle as they met one another. The young man was holding a drum in his hand, as his uncle exclaimed: "There's nothing more beautiful than this." 'Another type of suffering' Like many people in Gaza, Rusoomi lamented the loss she has suffered, adding that she is "heart broken" that her loved ones will not be there to welcome her return. She consoled herself, saying: "The things we lost in this world, we will find with God... God is with us." Hannan Thabet, who is making her way north to see her 75-year-old mother, said: "We have suffered for a year and four months, but today we will experience another type of suffering... the suffering of returning home only to find complete destruction of our homes. "You see our people, today they are both joyful and saddened, God make it easy on... (Palestinians are) a resilient nation." Rage and clarity as Palestinians detail devastation in northern Gaza Read More » Soad Bakr, a superviser at the Al Awda Health and Community Association, told MEE that her organisation was one of the first to respond to the announcement that the displaced could return to north Gaza on Monday and has been providing medical assistance since. "We know how many obstacles stand in the way of displaced people making their return," Bakr said. As well as providing direct medical help, the organisation has also been helping emotionally support those making the arduous walk back to the north. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are more than 485,000 people with "severe or moderate mental health disorders" in Gaza. The likelihood of inadequate shelter is likely to add further emotional strain on those who have survived the war so far. Satellite imagery included in a Human Rights Watch report from mid-November shows the systematic destruction of buildings and areas Israel has dubbed "security corridors", including agricultural land, whose destruction is exacerbating an already dire food shortage. Statements from senior officials indicated that forced displacement was a deliberate aspect of Israeli state policy.
