The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth said that after nearly 15 months of war, Israel continues its fruitless dance against its weakest enemies in the Gaza Strip.
The newspaper explained in a report by Amichai Atali that futility manifests itself in taking a step forward for which Israel pays a heavy price in terms of deaths and injuries, and then takes two steps back in an inexplicable manner, leaving the fighters with an opportunity to return again, before repeating the same thing.
She pointed out that the Israeli army seized the city of Jabalia in northern Gaza 3 times last year, the first of which alone was necessary, and every time it seized the city, many soldiers were killed, 40 in the third ongoing operation alone, with more than 110 killed in the three campaigns. .
Jabalia and its environs
At the end of October 2023, orders were issued to the army to seize Jabalia and its neighboring towns for the first time. The infantry, engineering, and armored personnel – whether in compulsory or reserve service – shed blood, sweat, and tears to seize this city, and ultimately succeeded in “purging” it of fighters. And weapons.
After seizing Jabalia, the soldiers withdrew based on orders from their commanders, decision-makers, or both. The same pattern occurred in Beit Hanoun, where the Kfir Brigade and the Multi-Dimensional Unit are currently participating in the fighting, having entered and exited several times. Only two days ago, rockets were fired from Beit Hanoun. Towards Jerusalem and its surroundings, and towards Sderot as well.
Most puzzling
But the most puzzling aspect – according to the report – is that citizens in Israel cannot get clear answers, and there is a tangible feeling of ambiguity about who is making these decisions from the political and military leadership.
The writer was surprised that the army entered and left certain parts of Gaza 8 times, and wondered: What is happening behind the scenes that prevents us from seeking victory after 15 months of war that demonstrated the country’s military strength and the resilience of its society, and also demonstrated its failure repeatedly to take the decisive step to finish the mission? ?
The writer wondered, denouncing, “Is sending our sons again and again to shed their blood in the same areas and feed the enemy and encourage him to endure a crime?!”, stressing that the people of Israel deserve great leaders and political leaders who know how to bear responsibility, develop a clear policy, and act firmly without excuses or evasion, because setting goals Implementing them is the only path to victory.