Israeli Analyst: Occupation of Gaza Will Not Force Hamas to Surrender
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Quds Network, Avie yesharof, an Israeli military analyst, stated that the Israeli army is preparing for a new ground operation inside Gaza City in the coming weeks. This operation could perhaps expand to other areas such as central refugee camps including Al-Bureij, Al-Maghazi, Al-Nuseirat, and Deir al-Balah.
He added that this campaign will involve widespread destruction similar to what occurred in Rafah and Khan Yunis. It is likely to result in many civilian casualties and injuries. Additionally, Israeli forces are expected to suffer heavy losses, wiht some soldiers possibly taken captive.
Yesharof emphasized that contrary to Israeli propaganda, the operation will not cause Hamas’s collapse. Instead, it will push Hamas to continue fighting by deploying more militants and fortifying positions within a network of tunnels dug over the past two years.
He noted that “Hamas will persist with its strategy of wearing down the Israeli army.” He further explained that Netanyahu’s cabinet aims primarily to secure its political survival through this operation rather than achieve a genuine military victory. A complete agreement intended to end the war and free prisoners is not on the agenda because such a deal could threaten his hold on occupied territories.
The analyst pointed out that amid expanding protests against Netanyahu’s government there has been renewed hope across important segments of Israeli society. Groups previously absent from demonstrations-such as youth activists, university students, scouting movement members, and even reserve soldiers-have now taken part in these protests.
Yesharof said government ministers’ attempts to label protesters as traitors or instigators have failed at containing them; instead their response has accelerated protest momentum.
he remarked that public opinion polls reflect overwhelming support among Israelis for agreements aimed at securing prisoner releases-even if it means an immediate halt in hostilities. He stressed that this stance dose not equate with betrayal or supporting Hamas but acknowledges reality: Israel cannot improve its situation without recovering captives. Simultaneously occurring, Netanyahu continues obstructing efforts toward such a comprehensive agreement.
