Eight right-wing Knesset members have stated that Hamas is draining the Israeli occupation army and is rapidly rebuilding itself. They have called for a change in the operational plan in Northern Gaza Strip, advocating for the implementation of a five-point plan already included in what is termed “The Generals’ Plan.”
According to “Israel Hayom,” eight members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee recently signed a letter urging Defense Minister Yisrael Katz to immediately replace the operational plan in Gaza.
Among those who signed the letter are Amit Halevi, Tzvi Sukkot, Ariel Kelner, Ohad Tal, Nassim Vatori, and Usher Shikli.
The newspaper added that the letter was signed following a report presented to committee members indicating that Hamas is rapidly rebuilding itself in every area from which the army has withdrawn, including Khan Yunis (south) and Al-Nuseirat (central).
The members of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee claim that the ground operation that began on October 27, 2023, failed to achieve the war goals as defined by the political leadership, which include dismantling Hamas’ governmental and military capabilities.
The lawmakers believe that this goal has not been achieved despite the operation taking place in a relatively small area against an enemy lacking the tools and capabilities necessary for a modern army, according to the newspaper.
They consider the approach of focused Israeli air strikes to allow Hamas to repeatedly rebuild its capabilities, and this strategy has led to a war of attrition that does not yield a decisive result.
The newspaper also noted that the lawmakers are calling for the implementation of “The Generals’ Plan,” which includes “evacuating the population from Northern Gaza, and imposing a siege to control the area and the population,” allowing for a decisive victory instead of a draining war of attrition for Israel.
According to the lawmakers, “soldiers in Gaza are dying in vain. We repeatedly send our soldiers to neighborhoods and alleys that they have previously occupied several times, and army leaders have declared them free of Hamas battalions, but in these same places, we continue to pay a terrible price in blood.”
The newspaper stated that “the proposed strategy includes several steps: encirclement and evacuation of the population, remote destruction of all energy sources, including fuel and solar energy facilities.”
The plan also includes “eliminating food sources, such as warehouses and water tanks, and remote killing of anyone moving in the area who does not surrender carrying a white flag during the siege,” according to the newspaper.
“After a period of imposing a siege on those who remain, the army gradually enters to clear enemy strongholds. This approach reduces the risks to the lives of Israeli soldiers.”
The article concluded by saying, “The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and its subcommittees function as a primary supervisory body over the military establishment in implementing war plans and achieving objectives.”