Israeli army views Gaza truce as ‘best way’ to recover captives, broker deal with Hezbollah

Israeli military leaders are quietly advocating for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, considering it the “best way” to recover over 100 captives and to “reach a deal with Hezbollah” to prevent the conflict from expanding. This information comes from six current and former security officials who spoke anonymously to the New York Times (NYT).

The senior generals are reportedly concerned about being drawn into a prolonged conflict, often referred to as a “forever war,” due to repeated political interference in ceasefire negotiations. The officials told the NYT that the “army is short of spare parts, munitions, motivation, and even troops.”

The report emphasizes that the military is under-equipped for continued fighting following Israel’s longest war in decades. The generals believe that their forces need time to recuperate in case a land war against Hezbollah becomes imminent.

“The military is in full support of a hostage deal and a ceasefire,” Eyal Hulata, Israel’s former national security adviser, told the NYT. He added, “They understand that a pause in Gaza makes de-escalation more likely in Lebanon. And they have less munitions, less spare parts, and less energy than before, so they also think a pause in Gaza gives us more time to prepare in case a bigger war breaks out with Hezbollah.”

The officials also agree that “keeping Hamas in power for now in exchange for getting the hostages back is the least worst option for Israel,” according to the report.