Putting Them at Odds With Netanyahu Israel’s top generals want a ceasefire in Gaza even if it keeps Hamas in power, putting them at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, The New York Times reported on Wednesday. The report, which cited current and former security officials, said one reason Israel’s top brass favored a pause in Gaza was so that the Israeli military could recuperate to prepare for a full-blown war against Hezbollah in Lebanon
They also believe a ceasefire in Gaza could reduce tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border and make it easier to reach a deal with Lebanon, although Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has previously said a pause in Gaza would be an escalation in Lebanon.
The Israeli military also believes a deal with Hamas is the best way to safely free the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. “The military is in full support of a hostage deal and a ceasefire,” former Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata told the Times.