Ronen Bergman, ex-Israeli journalist writes in the New York Times that anonymous IDF brass want to pack up and surrender, but Netanyahu and his ministers are having none of that defeatism, insisting that the war aims will be realized and Sinwar is on the ropes.

In a recent address at the municipal war room in Sderot, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the critical juncture at which Israel finds itself in its conflict with Hamas. “I asked to come here today especially because we are at a critical crossroads. In recent days I have been hearing talk of the end of the ‘intense fighting phase’ and reading [journalist] Ronen Bergman talking again about some kind of deal and wording games between the mediators and Hamas,” Smotrich declared.

In his piece, Ronen Bergman highlighted the delicate negotiations and potential deals being considered. “The mediators are engaging in delicate wording games to present a deal acceptable to both sides. However, these deals often do not reflect the on-ground realities and the sentiments of the Israeli leadership,” Bergman wrote. His reporting suggests a growing international pressure to reach a ceasefire agreement, despite the ongoing conflict.

Smotrich praised the efforts of Israeli combatants and commanders, stating, “Our heroic combatants and field commanders are doing an outstanding job, here on the other side of the fence in Gaza, and are bringing about great achievements, thank God. We are dismantling Hamas, killing more and more terrorists, destroying weapons and underground infrastructure and finally thoroughly dealing with the terrorist monster that has been built under our noses. I tell you with responsibility, we see more and more signs of a break in Hamas, more and more elements and commanders in Hamas feel that they are nearing the end.”

Smotrich warned against easing military pressure, noting, “I will not be surprised if suddenly, after months of refusal, [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar will respond positively to the offer he received for a deal because he is in a panic and he understands that we are close to victory and will want to save himself and the Hamas rule in Gaza, in order to restore his power and re-integrate into the Iranian conventional extermination plan in the next round. This is not the time to take the foot off the gas pedal. The opposite is true. This is the time to bring in more troops and increase the military pressure.”

Netanyahu Responds to Anonymous Generals

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his response to criticism from anonymous generals advocating for an end to the war, strongly opposed any notion of defeatism. “History will not forgive those who stop the war at this stage. We have paid heavy prices, and it would be absurd if we stop just before the end. We must not allow Hamas and Sinwar to survive,” Netanyahu stated.

He reiterated the necessity of continued military operations: “This time until the end of Hamas and the return of the hostages. History will not forgive those who stop at this point and bring down the great spirit of this nation that was revealed during the long months of war.”

Netanyahu’s comments came in the wake of a letter from unnamed generals criticizing the prolonged conflict and suggesting a ceasefire. Smotrich also weighed in on these critiques, expressing confusion over the eagerness of some IDF officials to reach a ceasefire. “I don’t understand the briefings and the talk in the foreign media about ‘critical moments’ and the increasing pressure for a deal. Who exactly are these statements meant to reassure?! What do they serve? These are indeed critical moments, critical moments for Sinwar and in any case for the security of the residents here and the security of the entire State of Israel,” Smotrich added.

Smotrich’s Urgent Call

Minister Smotrich concluded with a powerful call, addressing Prime Minister Netanyahu directly: “Mr. Prime Minister, at this time you must order the IDF commanders to win and wipe the memory of Hamas from the face of the earth. Until the end without stopping for a moment.”