Gaza, IDF Chief: "Israel risks losing the hostages"

Milan, May 5 (LaPresse) – During a recent security discussion, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government that with the planned escalation of the offensive in Gaza – which reportedly includes occupation of the Strip – Israel risks losing the hostages. "In a large-scale maneuver, we may not be able to reach the hostages. Keep in mind that we could lose them," Zamir reportedly said, according to Channel 13. "You have set two war goals that contradict each other," the chief of staff is said to have added. According to Channel 13, Zamir’s remarks sparked a disagreement between members of the defense establishment and Prime Minister Netanyahu over the campaign’s expansion. Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar supported Zamir’s position, suggesting that less intense fighting would allow negotiations for a hostage deal to resume. However, some ministers opposed Zamir’s stance, arguing that the only way to free the hostages is to increase military pressure and defeat Hamas. In recent hours, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to expand the fighting in Gaza. According to sources cited in Israeli media, the plan will include, among other things, occupation and control of the territory, displacement of Gaza’s population to the south, blocking Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid, and powerful strikes against Hamas.