Gallant Confirms Israel Implemented Hannibal Directive in Gaza Conflict

In a recent development surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, former Israeli war minister Yoav Gallant revealed that the Israeli occupation forces were directed to implement the controversial Hannibal Directive. This protocol allows for the killing of captives along with their captors, raising significant ethical concerns. Gallant also criticized former Police Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for igniting tensions with his provocative actions at the al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Israeli military is currently grappling with a significant wave of resignations, a situation described by Israeli Channel 13 as a “shockwave within the army.” This wave of resignations comes in the wake of the military’s failures during the October 7 operation against Palestinian Resistance forces.

Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the chief of Israel’s military, announced his resignation on January 21, holding himself accountable for the military’s shortcomings during the October 7 conflict. In his resignation letter, Halevi stated, “I am stepping down due to my acknowledgment of responsibility for the [military’s] failure on October 7.” Despite claiming his departure follows “significant successes” by the military, he admitted that “not all” objectives of the war had been met.

Furthermore, Major General Yaron Finkelman, who commanded Israel’s southern military operations in Gaza, also resigned, further highlighting the turmoil within the ranks.

In a televised address following his resignation, Halevi emphasized the need for the Israeli military to “provide answers for the failure of October 7 and learn from its mistakes.” This statement underscores the urgent need for accountability and reflection within the military, as failures have led to a loss of confidence among the ranks.

Adding to the political instability, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized Gallant in November, citing a breach of trust amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In his statement, Netanyahu noted the emergence of substantial strategic disagreements between himself and Gallant. Reports from last month suggested that Netanyahu was considering dismissing Gallant due to what he described as Gallant’s “obstruction of expanding the attack on Lebanon.”

Netanyahu stressed that full trust is “critical” between a Prime Minister and a security minister during wartime, stating, “Unfortunately, this trust has eroded, and attempts to bridge the gaps have failed.” He further asserted that the disagreements had not only been made public in an “unacceptable manner” but had also reached Israel’s adversaries, who “derived great benefit” from the situation.

• Resignation of High-Ranking Officials: The Israeli military has seen the resignation of key figures such as Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi and Major General Yaron Finkelman.
• Implementation of the Hannibal Directive: Former war minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that this contentious protocol was put into action during the Gaza conflict.
• Growing Discontent Within the Military: The army is experiencing a wave of resignations, described as a shockwave, following the military’s performance on October 7.
• Loss of Trust: Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed that trust between him and Gallant has eroded, complicating military strategies.

As the situation continues to evolve, it remains crucial for the Israeli leadership to address these internal conflicts and regain the trust of their military personnel. The implications of these resignations and the ongoing war strategy could significantly impact future operations and the overall stability within the region.

In conclusion, the current turmoil within the Israeli military and government not only highlights the challenges faced in the Gaza conflict but also raises questions about leadership accountability and strategic coherence. The resignation of high-ranking officials and the controversial policies being implemented will continue to shape the discourse surrounding Israel’s military actions and its political landscape.

Source: Al Mayadeen English