War is always cruel. Even so, it seems that in this war, the dilemmas faced by our leaders are particularly terrible and complex. Each decision is related to the other. Every step touches the other. The answers are not always clear or obvious, but complex, sometimes unsolvable.
Defense Minister Galant: "Only the military pressure on Hamas pushes the release of the hostages forward" // Defense Minister Media
After all, everyone wants the release of all the abductees. But should we insist on this, or be satisfied only with women and children if possible? How many days of ceasefire will the enemy agree to, in exchange for the hostages, if at all? After all, any lull will make it difficult for our forces when the fighting resumes, and all chances are that Hamas will also violate it, as happened in the past.
As if these conflicting considerations were not enough, releasing young terrorists from Israeli prisons will undoubtedly take revenge on us in the long run. We have gained quite bloody experience with these adventures. So it's also a significant consideration to say no to every deal and build only on the release of the abductees by force.
Security prisoners at Ofer Prison, photo: Moshe Shai
Perhaps it is military pressure that will bring the return of our people closer, rather than negotiations with the Nazis of Hamas? After all, it is clear that Hamas' willingness to discuss the outline currently being discussed is only because of the IDF's achievements.
After the Israeli side clarifies its own position, there are the Americans who continue to provide us with a political and military umbrella, and their citizens are also kidnapped. It is impossible not to be considerate of them. The Americans are the reason Israel agreed to fuel UNRWA trucks with 23,<> liters, at least some of which will reach Hamas. This happened when it is known that there is fuel in Gaza and there is no humanitarian crisis.
These are the same Americans who, according to foreign reports, continue an airlift of advanced ammunition to Israel. You can tell them no, and Israel did for six weeks. But is it right to insist on this, when the administration is very unenthusiastic about the entry of IDF forces into Shifa?
And should I enter Shifa? On the one hand, a Hamas symbol of government, whose takeover is part of the victory. On the other hand, no one knew before our forces entered what was and what was not in the tunnels beneath the hospital. Did you take the risk of a PR attack?
At least on the last issue, the answer is surely yes. Without purging Shifa, victory will certainly not be achieved. However, on all other issues, it must be said frankly that those who are not exposed to the full information should exercise caution and a great deal of modesty.
IDF forces inside Shifa Hospital, photo: IDF Spokesperson
The general public, as well as studio commentators, do not know the full intelligence picture, especially regarding the abductees, their situation and the chances of releasing them in military action. So even when taking a stand, it is appropriate to maintain a lot of modesty.
Under these limitations, the short- and long-term lessons mentioned above must still be remembered. Released terrorists return to terrorism, and only military pressure on Hamas gives in return. Henceforth, we must pray that those on high will give good advice to our leaders.
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