Likud MP accuses IDF chief of blocking decisive action in Gaza

A Likud member of parliament has launched a sharp attack on Israel’s military leadership, claiming the army chief of staff has consistently opposed a decisive outcome to the Gaza campaign. Speaking to ynet, Amit Halevi blamed IDF commanders for what he characterized as strategic failure in containing Hamas, suggesting the military establishment has been resistant to the kind of sustained ground operations that would achieve a definitive result.

Halevi’s criticism centres on military decision-making at the highest level, pointing to the events of 7 October as evidence of institutional failure. He claimed that despite the IDF’s considerable military experience, the army failed to detect and respond adequately to the Hamas-led assault that day, during which militants infiltrated Israeli territory and carried out mass killings and sexual violence for several hours.

The remarks represent an escalation in tensions between Israel’s government and its military establishment over the direction and scope of operations in Gaza. The dispute reflects deeper disagreements within Israeli politics about whether the campaign should pursue total military victory or move towards other political objectives. When asked about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s role in these decisions, Halevi dismissed the question, suggesting the focus should remain on military leadership rather than political direction.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.