Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday that Israel is moving towards eradicating Palestinian military capabilities as part of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli army, which has been engaged in the siege of Gaza for 269 days, is intensifying its efforts to eliminate the Hamas army. Defense Minister Yoav Galant has requested an additional 10,000 soldiers to support these efforts. Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused Netanyahu of planning to dismiss the attorney general to resolve internal conflicts with the Haredim, prompting calls for protests and government dismissal.
The release of the director of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex has ignited controversy in Israeli political and military circles. Netanyahu has distanced himself from the decision and ordered an immediate investigation into the matter. During a meeting with trainees, Netanyahu praised the military achievements in Rafah and hinted at the approaching end of the intensive phase of the conflict. Israeli media reports suggest that the current war may come to an end within the next 10 days, after which negotiations for a settlement on the northern border with Lebanon will commence.
Galant emphasized the importance of recruiting more soldiers, including 3,000 Haredi recruits, to bolster the army’s efforts. Lapid, on the other hand, called for early elections as a solution to the current crisis. The release of prisoners, including the director of Al-Shifa Hospital, has raised questions about the decision-making process and accountability within the Israeli government and security agencies. The released director, Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, has accused Israel of subjecting prisoners to torture and mistreatment during their detention. Abu Salmiya’s claims have highlighted the ongoing humanitarian issues facing Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.