ALBAWABA - Former chief of Israel's Shin Bet security agency Nadav Argaman has openly demanded a speedy end to the battle in Gaza, claiming Israel is unprepared for protracted military confrontations.
His remarks, which were broadcast on Israel's Channel 12, stress how critical it is to give the lives of the hostages who are being held in Gaza first priority.
Argaman bemoaned the fact that the battle was still going on and emphasized that Israel had to be concentrating on obtaining the captives' release, even at great cost. "The lives of the hostages are more important than anything, and they must be returned, regardless of the painful cost of the deal," he stated.
Additionally, he attacked Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, saying that he was more focused on ensuring his political survival than Israel's security. Netanyahu's intent on maintaining control over the Philadelphia Corridor was especially brought up by Argaman, who said that this decision was driven by politics rather than Gaza's arsenal of weapons.
He clarified that the majority of weapons in Gaza are made locally by Hamas utilizing resources that are entered via the Kerem Shalom gate, such fertilizers.
The Philadelphia Corridor is not strategically significant in the larger battle, according to Argaman, who also said that Netanyahu's obsession with it is motivated by internal politics, namely to placate the far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
"A Gaza ceasefire and the safe release of the captives need to come first. Israel can then turn its attention to the West Bank and the northern front," Argaman said, adding that any dangers associated with the agreement could be handled later.
In closing, Argaman emphasized that the first step toward doing this would be to put an end to the Gaza conflict and urged Israel to work with the US and other international allies to form a coalition to confront the increasing danger from Iran.
