But luck can only last so long. The recent deadly incident—which also left several soldiers seriously injured—renewed questions about Israel’s objectives in Gaza. The IDF’s inquiry into the killing of 15 mostly uninvolved medical workers by Golani troops revealed misconduct, violations of orders and false testimony. Footage from the scene has caused significant reputational damage to Israel abroad.
Under that vision, intense fighting and IDF casualties would be followed by mass civilian displacement, the establishment of Israeli settlements and, ultimately, development akin to Trump’s so‑called “Riviera” plan. But was Netanyahu’s speech merely a threat aimed at Hamas or his political base—or a preparation of the Israeli public for a prolonged war in pursuit of an unattainable victory?
Critics argue that Netanyahu has already abandoned any realistic prospect of a hostage rescue—tactically, strategically and morally. Their plight no longer fits his agenda.
Nahum BarneaDuring the weekly protest outside IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, activists handed out posters urging reservists to refuse service in the war. Thousands passed by without engaging; only a handful displayed the banners. While most calls to end the war and negotiate a full hostage deal have stopped short of urging insubordination, extending the conflict—along with the continued suffering of captive families and the redeployment of troops to enforce an extreme, polarizing government’s policies—could fracture Israelis’ commitment to military service. Gaza, they say, is not worth that price. Not even for those on the right.
