ALBAWABA - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent speech, in which he reiterated the attack on Gaza, has drawn harsh criticism from Israeli political and military specialists. The remark was seen by analysts as an implied acknowledgment of strategic failure and a hint that Netanyahu could be putting political survival ahead of the safe release of Israeli captives.
The speech, according to military expert Nir Dvori (Channel 12), was a defensive tactic meant to maintain Netanyahu's reputation. He pointed out that in face of growing popular criticism, the prime minister seemed to defend the current crisis and his decision to forgo a prisoner exchange with Hamas.
Dvori cautioned about the massive reserve mobilization and burden on national resources that would result from extending the war. He underlined that despite military pressure, Hamas is still stubborn and unlikely to give down.
Netanyahu's statement, according to Lior Keinan of Channel 13, was intended to strengthen his electoral base in the face of declining polling and growing criticism over the hostage situation. The speech was referred to as "a confession of defeat" by veteran IDF commander Noam Tibon, who accused Netanyahu of deceiving the people and siding with far-right ministers in order to maintain his position.
Ben Caspit, a political analyst, pointed out contradictions in Netanyahu's story, pointing out that he had previously agreed to deals with Hamas. According to Israel Hayom's Amir Ettinger, the prime minister is trying to defend a fresh military operation even if there isn't a clear route to success after 18 months of fighting.
The lack of a post-war plan was attacked by some commentators, including as Ohad Hemo and Moria Wollberg, who warned of an ongoing, interminable battle. Eyal Berkovic, an analyst, summed up the general sentiment by asking if a government that is becoming more and more detached from reality is guiding the Israeli people into an unending conflict.
