Israeli military leaders are signaling that they have achieved significant military objectives in Gaza and Lebanon and that it is time for political leaders to negotiate a resolution. This shift comes as Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati suggests a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel may be imminent.
During discussions with officers in northern Gaza, Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi suggested pursuing a “sharp conclusion” in the conflict with Hezbollah. He also stated that targeting Hamas leaders in Gaza could lead to further military collapses, expressing uncertainty about future encounters but noting that ongoing pressure could lead to further achievements.
Defining what those achievements should be has sparked considerable debate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has often declared a goal of “absolute victory,” but Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has publicly criticized that objective, labeling it “nonsense” during a private meeting in August. Gallant conveyed to Netanyahu that the war was losing direction, emphasizing the importance of updated objectives for managing the campaign effectively.
In a memo to the prime minister and his cabinet, Gallant recommended that Israel focus on securing the release of remaining hostages, neutralizing the military threat from Hamas, and fostering civilian governance, distancing from the broader goal of entirely dismantling Hamas’ capabilities.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mikati expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire in Lebanon following discussions with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. Hezbollah’s apparent willingness to agree to a ceasefire without a resolution in Gaza suggests a new dynamic in the conflict.
Reports indicate that Israeli military operations have made Hamas and Hezbollah less effective as Iranian proxies. Gallant asserted, “These two organizations, once designed as extensions of Iran against Israel, are no longer viable tools,” and emphasized the necessity of addressing moral obligations, including the return of captives.
While Netanyahu remains steadfast in pursuing his maximalist agenda, stating, “Absolute victory is a systematic plan we fulfill step by step,” indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Qatar after a two-month hiatus.
The prospect of a limited ceasefire in exchange for hostage releases has been mentioned, but sources indicate that Netanyahu is still reluctant to commit to a more comprehensive agreement. An official familiar with the negotiations noted that the primary goal is to ensure the return of hostages, asserting that the conflict will not conclude until they are home.
Credit: CNN
