'Netanyahu can't win the war': IDF major-general says the gov't can't win in Gaza

• Published date: 10 April 2024
• Author: 103FM VIA MAARIV ONLINE
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

"I think the operation of the 98th Paratrooper Brigade in Khan Yunis was exceptional," Tibon said. "[But] since there was no diplomatic leg to stand on and no strategic plan, the IDF ended the operation there. Unfortunately, two main goals of the operation were not achieved: Targeting senior Hamas officials and rescuing the hostages. The withdrawal is in complete contrast to what we were constantly told, that only military pressure will bring back the hostages."

Tibon added, "I think for a long time, there hasn't really been a war in the Gaza Strip," saying it seems more similar to police operations or security zones. "The slogans about absolute victory are in complete contrast to what is happening on the ground. The government is dysfunctional, and I've been saying this since the beginning of the war. All the guidelines they give the IDF are not military guidelines; they are just slogans."

How have Israeli politicians been handling the war?

"I want to make a distinction between [Defense Minister Yoav] Gallant and [Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu," the general clarified, "I have to admit that I don't understand Gallant's management of the war. Therefore, we suddenly find ourselves in a situation where there is no actual military action in Gaza. But this has been going on for several months now, and it is now becoming clear that the 98th Paratrooper Brigade has left. I think, in many ways, the military action in Gaza, which we call a war, has ended."

Regarding the plan for Rafah, Tibon argued that, in his opinion, "everything related to Rafah at the moment is some kind of excuse they are telling us. In order to take action in Rafah, there needs to be a huge relocation of refugees... and I'm not sure the world will accept this whole issue. The Americans have already hinted to us that there is a direct link between our behavior in Gaza and their level of support. But they are selling us a story...