JERUSALEM, Israel – Some are saying there’s a rift in Israel’s government between political and military leaders, but both are denying it, claiming Israel will indeed finish Hamas in Gaza.
The controversy comes as the Netanyahu coalition prepares for a wider war in the north with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 13 on Thursday, Israel Defense Forces Chief Spokesman Daniel Hagari appeared to question Israel’s ability to wipe out Hamas.
“Hamas is an idea,” Hagari said. ” Whoever thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong.”
Hagari suggested something must replace the Hamas way of thinking in Gaza or it will continue.
“This business of destroying Hamas – making Hamas disappear – it’s simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public, if we don’t bring something else to Gaza than at the end of the day, we will get Hamas.'”
The IDF quickly put out a follow-up statement, saying Hagari was talking about how hard it is, quote, “(to eradicate) Hamas as an ideology and an idea,” and added that the military is behind Israel’s goal of wiping out Hamas’ ability to physically govern or fight.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the IDF is “of course, committed” to this goal. Speaking to
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