(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — A group of 30 Israeli military leaders, known as the “General Staff Forum,” has called on the government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.
This stance, claimed to be supported by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, contrasts sharply with Netanyahu’s firm opposition to any ceasefire with Hamas.
According to a report by the New York Times, the Israeli military leaders urge Netanyahu’s government to agree to a ceasefire to facilitate the release of approximately 120 Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas.
“The Israeli military fully supports the hostage deal and ceasefire,” stated Eyal Hulata, who served as Israel’s national security advisor until early last year.
The General Staff Forum also believes that the Israeli military is facing significant shortages after nine months of conflict with Hamas since October of last year.
They argue that a ceasefire would allow Israeli soldiers to rest and resupply before potentially engaging in a larger conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Currently, the Israeli military is experiencing shortages in ammunition and spare parts for tanks, bulldozers, and armored vehicles.
Many Israeli tanks operating in the Gaza Strip do not carry sufficient ammunition, as the military aims to conserve tank shells for a possible war with Hezbollah, according to two Israeli soldiers quoted by the New York Times.
“Ceasefire with Hamas would also facilitate efforts to reach an agreement with Hezbollah,” an unnamed Israeli security official told the American newspaper.
Hezbollah has previously stated that they will continue to attack Israeli forces as long as Israeli military operations in Gaza persist, which have resulted in over 37,000 deaths, mostly civilians.
Additionally, the Israeli military is facing personnel shortages, with many reserve soldiers not reporting for duty.
Many Israeli reserve soldiers have been on extended deployments at the frontlines and are reportedly demotivated and experiencing low morale.
According to an official report by the Israeli military, since the conflict with Hamas began last October, 300 Israeli soldiers have been killed, and over 4,000 injured.
However, analysts believe the actual numbers of Israeli military casualties are significantly higher than officially reported.
Recently, the Hebrew-language newspaper Maariv reported that approximately 500 Israeli armored vehicles have been damaged by Palestinian fighters since the Gaza conflict erupted last October.
The newspaper noted that several dozen of these damaged vehicles are beyond repair and have been decommissioned from military service.
Maariv also reported that Israeli soldiers responsible for transporting these vehicles to Gaza are experiencing physical and mental stress.
“If Israeli soldiers are called to fight in southern Lebanon, they will be there, but they will not be in good condition,” the newspaper stated. — DSA