Why a New Major Incident in the Gaza Strip Is Only a Matter of Time

Military correspondent for Maariv, Avi Ashkenazi, warns that the government's policy in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza is leading to a new major conflict. The authorities support radicals, the IDF is restricted in its actions, and Hamas is rebuilding its strength. The incident in Khusra and the visit of Minister Shikli to an outpost demonstrate a lack of control. The army is forced to divert reserves, and in Gaza the situation is returning to the state before October 7.

Military correspondent for the newspaper Maariv, Avi Ashkenazi, warns that the current policy of the Israeli government in Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip is leading to a new major conflict. In his opinion, the authorities are effectively supporting right-wing radical anarchy: Minister Amichai Shikli visited the illegal outpost of Tel Talpiot and motivated the violators. The IDF is disappointed: to arrest a right-wing activist, one must violate the border of a closed military zone three times. Because of this, the 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade was redeployed to the village of Khusra to protect against radicals. In Gaza, the situation is returning to the state before October 7: the military is restricted by orders, they are not conducting operations to eliminate Hamas's capabilities, and humanitarian convoys bring the organization millions of shekels. Militants are again taking to the streets and training. The author believes that such a policy leads to disaster, and international isolation plays into the hands of Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah.