Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted on Monday that Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip could be expanded, even as former military and intelligence chiefs call for an end to the war in the Palestinian enclave, the Associated Press reported, BTA reported.
Among those former leaders are former heads of Israel's Shin Bet internal security and counterintelligence agency and Mossad intelligence agency, as well as former commanders in the armed forces. In a video posted on social media this week, they said that far-right members of the government are holding Israel "hostage" in the protracted conflict.
Netanyahu's goals in Gaza are "fantasy", says Yoram Cohen, former Shin Bet chief, in the video.
"If someone thinks that we can reach every terrorist, every pit and every weapon, and at the same time bring the hostages home - I think that is impossible," Cohen said.
Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that he would convene his security cabinet to instruct the military on what actions to take from now on, hinting that even tougher action is possible.
The Israeli prime minister said his goals include defeating the Palestinian Islamist movement "Hamas", freeing the hostages held in Gaza and ensuring that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.
Israeli media reported disagreements between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over how to proceed with the military operation in Gaza. Media reports, citing anonymous sources in Netanyahu's office, said the prime minister wanted the military to take over all of Gaza.
Various reports said Zamir was against the move and could resign or be removed from office.