Israeli army believes Gaza truce 'best way' to recover captives, reach deal with Hezbollah

Israeli army leaders are privately pushing for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, describing it as the “best way” to recover over 100 captives and to “reach a deal with Hezbollah” that would prevent the expansion of the war, according to six current and former security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to the New York Times (NYT).

The top generals reportedly fear being dragged into a “forever war” by a political echelon that has repeatedly sabotaged attempts at reaching a ceasefire deal. According to the officials who spoke with the NYT, the “army is short of spare parts, munitions, motivation, and even troops.”

“Under-equipped for further fighting after Israel’s longest war in decades, the generals also think their forces need time to recuperate in case a land war breaks out against Hezbollah,” the report highlights.

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

According to the report, the officials are also in agreement that “keeping Hamas in power for now in exchange for getting the hostages back [is] the least worst option for Israel."