The Israeli military appeared to suggest that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-stated goal of destroying Hamas is unattainable, highlighting the difficulties in claiming victory in a war now in its ninth month.
“To say that we are going to destroy Hamas, to make it disappear – that is simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public,” Admiral Daniel Hagari said in an interview with Israeli television. “Hamas is an idea. Anyone who thinks we can make it disappear is wrong.”
After his comments sparked controversy — including a rebuff from Netanyahu — the Israeli military clarified that he was referring to “the elimination of Hamas as an idea and ideology.”
