Former Israeli Defense Minister and current member of the country’s extraordinary government, Benny Gantz, has warned that the ongoing war with Hamas could stretch on for months, raising concerns about the long-term implications of the conflict. Gantz’s statement comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and the militant group, with no end in sight.
In an interview with the Times of Israel, Gantz expressed the possibility of a northern front opening up in the conflict, adding further complexity to the situation. He emphasized that even after the hostilities cease, the process of rebuilding the country will take years.
The objective of Israel, according to Gantz, extends beyond defeating the Hamas militants. He envisions transforming the southern region into a prosperous and secure haven for its citizens.
The recent escalation began on October 7th when Hamas launched a massive rocket attack on Israeli territory, marking the start of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation. Thousands of militants infiltrated Israeli territory, seizing military equipment and taking hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the country to be in a state of war in response to these developments.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched a counter-operation named “Iron Swords.” The objective of this operation is to weaken and destroy Hamas’s capabilities. The Israeli Air Force has conducted airstrikes on numerous Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli National Security Council has decided to impose a blockade on the sector, halting the supply of essential resources such as water, food, electricity, and fuel. Additionally, Israel has notified the United Nations that 1.1 million Palestinians must evacuate to the south of Gaza within 24 hours, signaling a potential ground operation in the area.
The conflict with Hamas has garnered international attention and has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eradicate Hamas, further intensifying the gravity of the situation.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community closely watches the developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution. However, with Gantz’s warning of a protracted conflict, the path to peace seems uncertain. The implications of this ongoing war extend far beyond the borders of Israel and Palestine, impacting regional stability and global security.
