Cracks In Command: Israeli Military Spokesman Challenges Government's Hamas Strategy

Israel's top military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, recently made headlines by stating that Hamas cannot be "made to disappear," raising doubts about the Israeli government's war aim of defeating the militant group. His remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In an interview with Israel’s Channel 13, Hagari said, “The idea that it is possible to destroy Hamas, to make Hamas vanish — that is throwing sand in the eyes of the public.” This statement led to a terse response from Netanyahu’s office, emphasizing that the security cabinet has defined the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities as a primary goal. “The IDF, of course, is committed to this,” Netanyahu’s office reiterated.

The IDF later clarified Hagari’s remarks, stating they were about Hamas "as an ideology and as an idea," not as an organization. Despite this, Hagari's comments reflect growing concerns within the military about the feasibility of fully eradicating Hamas.

Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure from both his government and international allies, including the United States, to develop a post-war strategy for Gaza. Following Hamas’ attacks on October 7, which killed over 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza with the objectives of rescuing hostages, dismantling Hamas' governance, and preventing future attacks from the territory.

After eight months of conflict, and with more likely to come, Hagari’s remarks underscore fears that Israel’s military campaign may not achieve these goals. Despite Netanyahu’s claims of eliminating over 14,000 Hamas fighters, the group's ideological influence remains a significant concern. “Telling the public that there will be no terror in Gaza, no military operatives, no rockets and no armed men is a lie,” Hagari told Kan 11. “Hamas is an idea, deeply rooted in the hearts of the residents of Gaza. To replace those who handle civil services and distribute or steal food, something else needs to be established. This is a decision for the political echelon, and the army will implement it.”

In a shift from the initial goal of completely destroying Hamas, government spokesperson David Mencer stated that eliminating Hamas' "military and government capabilities" does not mean killing every member of the group. Mencer also stressed that Hagari’s comments had not harmed the war effort, emphasizing the military's duty to execute the government's directives.

During discussions about a US-backed ceasefire plan, Netanyahu's stance appeared to soften. A statement from his office last week reiterated Israel's objectives without mentioning the total elimination of Hamas. This moderation signals a possible recalibration of Israel's war aims.

The divergence between the Israeli government and its military was highlighted again when the IDF announced a daily "tactical pause" in southern Gaza for aid distribution, a decision that initially angered Netanyahu. He later conceded after assurances that combat operations in Rafah would continue. This decision also faced backlash from the far-right faction of Netanyahu’s coalition, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calling for the resignation of those responsible for the pause.

While Israel has managed to secure the release of some hostages through a ceasefire-for-hostage deal and a daring rescue operation, hopes of recovering the remaining 120 hostages are fading. A senior Hamas official admitted uncertainty about their status, indicating that any release deal would require a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The public disagreements between Israel's military and government highlight the complexities and challenges of the ongoing conflict, raising questions about the ultimate outcome and future stability of the region.