Internal Tensions Emerge as Israel's Struggle with Hamas Enters New Phase

A significant rift has emerged between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country's military leadership over the handling of the ongoing war in Gaza. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesperson, publicly questioned the attainability of Netanyahu's goal to completely destroy Hamas, calling it unrealistic and suggesting that a new governance structure should be developed instead. Netanyahu's office reiterated the government's objective of eliminating Hamas' military and governing capabilities, but the military emphasized the complexity of eradicating Hamas as an ideology. This division comes amid rising casualties, with over 37,400 Palestinians and 664 Israeli troops reported dead. The U.S. has expressed concerns about the lack of a clear postwar strategy, further straining relations between the two allies.