DaysofPal- Natan Eshel, the former director of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, called for “extermination without combat” by besieging Gaza, forcing Palestinians to remain in designated areas or die of hunger. He argued that continuing the war results in “heavy losses in soldiers’ lives without purpose.”
Eshel’s remarks, reportedly shared in a WhatsApp message to close associates, were widely circulated by Israeli media on Tuesday. Outlets such as Channel 12, Yediot Aharonot, Ma’ariv, and Israel Today quoted him extensively.
According to the Hebrew media, Eshel criticized the continuation of the war, stating that “the continuation of the war does not serve any military or security purpose for Israel.” He further asserted, “There is no point continuing the fighting in Gaza, and so it must stop immediately.”
Eshel expressed deep concern about the toll the war has taken on Israeli soldiers. “It is unfortunate that we are losing more soldiers, or that they will have amputated limbs or lost eyes, in addition to the thousands who have already paid the price and will pay an additional price as a result of continuing the unnecessary fighting in Gaza,” he said.
Eshel argued that the current military operations are neither bringing back hostages nor achieving significant security gains. In his view, the solution lies in imposing a total blockade on Gaza. “Since the Strip is under siege, the only solution is to impose a comprehensive blockade,” he stressed.
He elaborated on his vision of the siege, explaining that it would “not allow the entry of aid or food into the Gaza Strip.” He proposed allowing Palestinians an “organized and supervised exit” to areas that Israel could monitor. For those unwilling to leave, he suggested grim consequences: “They will either die by Israeli army bullets or from hunger.”
Eshel justified his approach by drawing historical parallels, claiming that this method is “the only way that brought down Jerusalem, Masada, and all wars in history.”
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