Israel’s security cabinet, also known as the “war cabinet,” is divided over how to proceed with the 11-day conflict with Hamas in Gaza, as the crisis over two Israeli hostages held by the militant group deepens. With no clear endgame in sight, tensions are rising over whether to escalate efforts to crush Hamas or seek a ceasefire to secure the release of the captives.
Ceasefire Seen as Only Hope for Hostages
A growing number of Israeli officials believe a ceasefire agreement with Hamas represents the only hope for securing the release of two Israeli civilians held hostage by the group in Gaza.
IDF Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, former military chief of staff, broke ranks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government this week by declaring that accomplishing the goals Netanyahu has set out for the operation, including significantly weakening Hamas and returning the bodies of fallen Israeli soldiers held by the militants, is unrealistic.
“Achieving the return of the boys and full calm is only possible through political negotiations,” said Eisenkot in a rare critique from a prominent retired security official. “I hope Israel knows how to combine military success with diplomatic discretion.” [1]
His comments echoed those of Minister of Diaspora Affairs Nachman Shai, who argued on Jan. 19 that an immediate ceasefire was needed to prevent the death of the civilian hostages.
“The only way to bring back the boys is with a ceasefire agreement,” Shai said. “Every day that there is no agreement, I am afraid we will wake up to news that the boys are no longer alive.” [2]
Families of the hostages, held captive since the conflict erupted on Jan. 10, have also urgently appealed to the government to secure the release of their loved ones above all else. [3]
Netanyahu Facing Pressure Over Stalled Campaign
The remarks from Eisenkot and Shai reflect frustrations over the lack of progress 11 days into the fighting. Israel has faced unexpectedly fierce resistance from Hamas and has struggled to deliver a decisive blow.
At least three other senior defense officials share Eisenkot’s dim assessment of the likelihood that Hamas can be substantially weakened or the hostages can be freed alive through further military force. They argue for a rapid ceasefire. [4]
Netanyahu, who also serves as Defense Minister, has remained defiant despite growing doubts over his war strategy even among his own cabinet. He claimed this week that Israel is “methodically grinding down” Hamas’s capabilities [5], but several officials have accused him of misleading the public about the lack of concrete achievements so far. [6]
Critics argue the open rift between security officials spells danger for the success of the operation.
“Such differences of opinion are imposing a heavy shadow on the war in Gaza,” wrote defense commentator Ron Ben-Yishai. [7]
No Clear End in Sight as Gaza Crisis Deepens
Nearly 380 Palestinians have been killed so far, including dozens of children, local health officials report. Over 2,800 have been wounded as Gaza’s healthcare system faces collapse. [8]
Israel insists it makes every effort to avoid civilian casualties, and says Hamas deliberately places military infrastructure in densely populated areas. But rights groups argue attacks have been disproportionate.
“The catastrophic human toll and infrastructure destruction belie Israel’s claim that it is strictly targeting fighters and military assets,” said Ibrahim Nehme of Human Rights Watch. [9]
With neither side achieving a knock-out blow so far, the fighting could potentially drag on for weeks or months absent a diplomatic breakthrough. Israeli generals reportedly assess Hamas has sufficient remaining rocket capabilities to sustain attacks well into 2024 if need be. [10]
That raises the stakes for the hostage crisis, as the chances of securing their release under chaotic wartime conditions drop with each passing day.
For now, the security cabinet remains split down the middle, with hawkish ministers Naftali Bennett and Bezalel Smotrich backing Netanyahu’s aggressive posturing publicly. But Eisenkot, Shai and others argue nothing short of a negotiated truce can prevent further loss of life on both sides.
With over 2,000 rockets fired at Israel already [11], most directed at civilians, Israeli military action also shows no signs of letting up soon. Hamas’s exiled leader Ismail Haniyeh insisted Jan. 20 that “we have not yet started using our advanced weapons.” [12]
As the rivals continue to trade blows, the fate of the hostages and a resolution to the crisis remain perilously uncertain.
Timeline of Key Events
January 10: Hamas launches wide-scale rocket attack towards Jerusalem and other cities over unrest in East Jerusalem
January 13: Israel mobilizes ground troops and begins air campaign targeting Hamas infrastructure in Gaza
January 15: Two Israeli civilians are taken captive after entering Gaza during fighting
January 18: IDF official says Israel has failed to substantially degrade Hamas capabilities
January 19: Minister Shai breaks cabinet ranks to argue for immediate ceasefire
January 20: Four IDF generals reportedly warn hostages may not survive extended conflict
What’s Next
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Escalating rift within the security cabinet could hamper decision-making and military progress
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Netanyahu will face increasing pressure from ministers, former generals and hostage families to shift strategy
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A neglected humanitarian crisis in Gaza raises moral issues for Israel and could provoke renewed fighting
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Lack of clear victory conditions on either side raises chances of conflict continuing for months
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Hamas will likely seek to extract concessions around East Jerusalem tensions and prisoner releases to return hostages
With the campaign at a crossroads, the coming days will prove critical in determining whether a ceasefire can be reached to end the bloodshed and resolve the hostage crisis, or if the rivals will remain locked in intractable and escalating violence for the foreseeable future.
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