A forum of top Israeli army reserve commanders this morning published a “plan to defeat Hamas” that is certain to raise eyebrows.
The plan was presented in a video clip that went viral on social media by Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Giora Eiland, a former national security advisor and one of Israel’s leading defense experts. Eiland explained that the tactics being employed in Gaza over recent months aren’t getting the job done, either in terms of defeating Hamas or securing the return of the remaining hostages.
“There’s nothing that a dictator fears more than an angry mob,” Eiland said, explaining that the successful hostage deal in November of last year was made possible by the fact that Israel was allowing a mere two trucks of aid into Gaza every day until that point. One of Hamas’s chief demands in those negotiations was to increase the number of daily aid truck deliveries to 200.
With aid now flowing into Gaza in incredible quantities, Hamas is no longer in any rush to make a deal.
What Eiland and his fellow generals in the “Forum of Reservist Commanders” propose is a firm siege on northern Gaza leading to the surrender or death of the 5,000 Hamas terrorists remaining there.
What’s being called “The Generals’ Plan” calls for the evacuation of the 300,000 civilians still in northern Gaza (Gaza City) via two tightly-controlled corridors, following by a total siege that permits no aid to enter the area. Any remaining Hamas forces can either lay down their arms, or die.
“As long as Hamas receives and controls the humanitarian aid, it cannot be defeated,” explained Col. (res.) Hezi Nahama in remarks to Ma’ariv. “The Generals’ Plan is the right way at this time to defeat Hamas and free the hostages, and we should have implemented it months ago. Those who cannot implement it are failing in their duty and will not be able to lead the IDF and the State of Israel to defeat Hamas,” he added in a swipe at the current political and military leadership.
If after northern Gaza is fully cleansed of the terrorist threat Hamas continues to fight, the same plan can be implemented in other areas like Khan Yunis and Rafah.
International law
The Generals’ Plan takes into account the fact that international actors like the United States and United Nations would undoubtedly oppose it by explaining:
Imposing a siege on a trapped enemy is legitimate and permitted under the strictest interpretations of international law. The required condition for implementing the siege is providing civilians a reasonable opportunity to leave the area through safe corridors before it is imposed. A siege is the most effective way to end wars quickly while minimizing casualties on both sides, including civilian deaths on the opposing side.
The US Department of Defense’s war manual and a 2022 Harvard University conference on siege warfare unequivocally state that siege is a legitimate and permissible tactic of war, including starving the enemy to death, as long as necessary steps are taken to assist non-combatants, with priority given to evacuating them from the besieged area.
Need for sound tactics
In a radio interview yesterday, Eiland criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his disjointed approach to the Gaza war, and urged Israel’s leaders to adopt sound tactics and strategies that can lead to real victory.
In particular Eiland noted that Neatnyahu’s position on the Philadelphi Corridor (Gaza-Egypt border) isn’t helpful without a broader strategy of occupation. And Israel simply doesn’t have deployed the number of forces needed to hold Gaza long-term.
Siege warfare is the only way forward, Eiland insisted.
“There is no chance of achieving victory while massive amounts of supplies are entering Gaza, which enables the population to get used to their situation,” he said. What’s worse, Hamas is still able to easily recruit new fighters in Gaza because it controls the flow of international aid, taking what it needs for itself, and selling the rest at inflated prices, which in turn enables it to offer unheard of pay to a desperate population.
“We have hit their military capabilities and some of their senior commanders, but this does not fundamentally change the situation,” Eiland stressed. “There is no real pressure on [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar, and he will not agree to any deal” until is made desperate.
Israel will have to do a massive amount of PR work before, during and after implementing such a plan. You will also need a plan for when you win. Finally, you will need to be ready to defend yourselves against foreign intervention to “rescue” the poor, starving victims. One mistake and Russia, Iran, Turkey, Syria and others will have a cloak of morality in the eyes of many. I’m not saying don’t do it. I’m saying that if you do, be very well prepared and very careful.
We read and see in Germany lots of information about Gaza and Israel from Hamas or Pro-Palestine comments in daily radio and tv. Where are the lots of Israeli comments, pictures and opinions with the truth? Instead of this we hear and see a divided society in Israel. It breaks the heart about the news from the hostage front. But I feel angry about the pro-Palestine infos which are not corrected here. I wish Israel should take a stand of well considered comments. Very important for the general opinion formation. Facts instead of fakes.
A much better strategy which I believe is going to work and it’s legitimate OR better still find a way to turn the people against their leaders, even though it’s difficult to trust any Palestinians. Majority of them support Hamas and those who don’t are too scared to admit it.