| HEADLINE |
|
3yrs of Oct 7
Gaza war leaves Israel torn between victory claims and inquiry
Published : Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Observer Special Report
Three years of relentless Israeli military aggression have left the Gaza Strip in total ruin, even as Israeli political leaders remain bitterly divided over their war goals.
Despite years of military aggression, heavy bombardment, and ground invasions that have killed over 74,000 Palestinians, displaced 1.7 million, and left the Gaza Strip in total ruin, Israeli leadership remains deeply fractured over whether its strategy achieved any meaningful outcome.
Human rights groups report that vast swathes of Gaza are now completely uninhabitable, with millions enduring famine and medical collapse under an ongoing siege.
Meanwhile, in Israeli border communities like Kibbutz Nahal Oz, resident Dani Rahamim defined victory simply as citizens returning to rebuild their lives. He criticized the government for lacking empathy toward survivors and stated that completely eliminating Hamas was always an unrealistic goal.
Satellite image of Gaza (Before/After)
Ilan Morag, chairman of Kibbutz Nahal Oz, demanded an official commission of inquiry to establish accountability for security lapses, arguing that responsible officials—including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—should resign.
Military chief Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar both resigned in 2025 after accepting responsibility, but Netanyahu has refused to admit fault or launch a formal probe.
Instead, Netanyahu continues to claim victory through the return of hostages, the resettlement of border communities, and expanded growth in the western Negev. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage on October 7, 2023, with most hostages eventually returned through exchange deals or military operations.
Bombing devastation
Criticism of the government's strategy remains widespread across Israel's political and military establishments. Reserve Maj Gen Nitzan Alon stated that Israel missed opportunities to recover hostages much earlier, arguing that prolonging the war cost unnecessary lives.
Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs defended the strategy, claiming an earlier deal would have required total withdrawal and handed Hamas a victory.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also condemned government rhetoric, warning that pushing conspiracy theories about internal betrayal damages public trust while failing to eliminate the remaining security threats in Gaza.
-SA
Loading...
Loading...
Also read
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
