Israel admits it cannot defeat Hamas, but…

GAZA – Government spokesperson Israel David Mencer believes that eliminating Hamas’ military and government capabilities does not mean “killing every Hamas terrorist.”

Mencer delivered his statement, a day after a speech by Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari, in which he acknowledged the fact that seeking: “The total eradication of Hamas is an unrealistic goal.”

“We talked about the prerequisite for ending this war is defeating Hamas militarily, and also their ability to organize. “This does not mean killing every Hamas fighter, but it means eliminating their government and military capabilities,” said Mencer, reported by Middle East Monitor.

He also claimed that Hamas was experiencing personnel shortages due to fighting in Gaza after eight months of war, but noted that this claim could not be confirmed.

Mencer’s remarks came after Hajari commented: “Those who think that it can be eliminated are wrong.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quickly responded with a statement, saying: “The IDF is committed to the government’s goal of destroying Hamas’ military and administrative capabilities.”

The PM’s office also added that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asked Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi’s office to clarify Hagari’s statement.

(ahm)