Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak criticized the policies of his current counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing that his failure to reach a prisoner exchange deal was a "disgrace" on Israel, and warning that the course of the war might herald "the country sinking into the Gaza quagmire."

This came in an article by Barak to be published by Haaretz newspaper tomorrow, Friday, in which he called for the necessity of holding early elections in Israel “before it is too late,” noting that the elections will be held in 2026.

Barak said: “The war is entering its 15th week, and on the battlefield we see inspiring and courageous work and sacrifices, but in Israel we see despair, and the feeling that despite the gains achieved by the Israeli army, Hamas has not been defeated and the return of hostages is declining.”

He pointed out that, "For about 3 months, Netanyahu has been preventing discussion of the day following (the end of the war) in the mini-cabinet, which is unreasonable."

Realistic goal

Barak warned against Netanyahu's policies, explaining: "The Israeli army cannot improve the odds of victory when there is no specific political goal, and in the absence of a realistic goal, we will end up drowning in the Gaza quagmire."

He also noted the dangers of "fighting simultaneously in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, which leads to the erosion of American support and jeopardizes the Abraham Accords and the peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan."

The former Israeli minister considered that "this type of behavior drags Israel's security into the abyss."

In this context, Barak revealed that “two months ago the United States presented to Israel a proposal that meets the common interests of the two countries,” indicating that this offer “is still on the table.”

He explained that the American proposal stipulates that “after eliminating the capabilities of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), an Arab force will be formed from members of the stability axis that will be established to manage the Strip for a limited period.”

He explained that according to the proposal, “during this transitional period, Gaza will return to the control of the Palestinian Authority, and will gain international recognition, taking into account the security arrangements acceptable to Israel,” pointing out that according to the American proposal, “Saudi Arabia and the UAE will support and strengthen the Palestinian Authority financially, and ensure the reconstruction of infrastructure.

Barak believed that “between Israel and the possible solution (in Gaza) stand Netanyahu himself and his blackmailers, Ministers (National Security) Itamar Ben Gvir and (Finance) Bezalel Smotrich,” he said, adding that they (the two ministers) “are preventing Israel from taking action for the sake of its security.” In coordination with the United States, they are dragging it into the abyss to serve their own interests.”

He said: "Netanyahu realizes that the reactivated Palestinian Authority (in Gaza) means the loss of Ben Gvir and Smotrich and the acceleration of the end of his government."

Families' anger

He added: "There must be early elections, and this will happen when the hostage families, the displaced communities, the reservists, and the large numbers of Israelis who remember October 7, 2023 well, are outraged."

Barak's article comes after Netanyahu announced Thursday that he informed Washington of his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state "within any scenario for the post-war period in Gaza," contrary to the American desire and his insistence on continuing the war in Gaza in order to achieve a "decisive victory over Hamas."

Source: Anadolu