We’re starting to see signs of unrest from inside Israel. This is not to say that a majority of Israelis are waking up to the enormity of what Israel is doing to Palestinians. Nevertheless, some at higher levels, who do have popular support, are groping for a way out of the corner the most radical Zionists have painted the country into.
The genocide enthusiasts haven’t changed in the least. Netanyahu has defied the Neocon US and approved new “settlements” on Palestinian land. Israel still shows no real world concern for Israeli prisoners held by Hamas—continuing a long Zionist tradition of unconcern for any but radical Zionist lives that goes all the way back to WW2.
NEW:
Israeli minister Ben Gvir: "Stop the negotiations now, and let's continue even more fiercely" "Immediate instructions must be given to stop the talks and move to a stronger phase of fighting" he said. http://t.me/megatron_ron
Yet, at the same time, and probably not coincidentally, Israel has been rocked by mass resignations from the office of the IOF SPOX. Megatron reports that the head of the office, Daniel Hagari, is among those who have resigned, although that may not be confirmed. However, Israeli Channel 14 is reporting that the resignations relate to the Gaza genocide, and specifically to Netanyahu’s plan to attack Palestinian refugees in Rafah:
Top Israeli army officials resign in protest over operational and personal conduct
According to reports from Israeli Channel 14, a significant number of officers have stepped down from the unit responsible for overseeing the information system within the Israeli army.
According to the Israeli channel, among the resignees are the second man in Hagari's team, Col. Butbul, Col. Moran Katz, and the International Spokesperson for the Israeli military, Lt. Richard Hecht.
Analysts said the resignations are seen as a reflection of dissent among officers concerning both operational and personal matters.
Israeli media also reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision regarding a ground operation in Rafah had caused disagreements with Israeli military officials.
Resignations rock Israeli army spokesperson's team due to Gaza war
Israeli Channel 14 reports high-ranking resignations following Gaza conflict outcome
Many high-ranking officials have resigned from the Israeli army spokesperson's team due to the ongoing war in Gaza, according to the Israeli media on Sunday.
“The second-in-command in Daniel Hagari's team, Moran Katz, along with many high-ranking officials have submitted their resignations in light of the Gaza conflict,” Israeli Channel 14 reported.
“The retiring officials also include Gen. Richard Heshit, the Israeli army's spokesperson for foreign media affairs,” the channel added.
Israeli reports in recent months have highlighted deep-seated disputes between the government and the army regarding the government's management of the war and its post-war strategy in Gaza.
In addition to the above, more happened over a very news dense weekend. Israeli plans to invade Lebanon remain on course for now:
BREAKING:
The Israeli army is trying to infiltrate Lebanon. Two attacks repelled by Hezbollah
Two attempted infiltrations by the Israeli forces into Lebanese territory at 23:45 p.m. & 12:15 a.m. were both repelled by the Islamic Resistance.
- From the direction of Khirbet Zar'it, opposite the town of Ramyeh. - Wadi Qatmoun area, opposite Rmaych.
Both attacks were repulsed by Hezbollah with heavy artillery.
The IDF is likely testing the breakthrough as part of a plan to invade Lebanon in the spring.
The US has already loaded Israel with the most advanced and modern weapons including F-35 fighter jets, for the coming invasion. http://t.me/megatron_ron
But …
Top Israeli official heads to Washington in defiance of Netanyahu
It is a sign of widening cracks in Israel’s government deep into the Hamas war.
TEL AVIV, Israel — A top Israeli Cabinet minister headed to Washington on Sunday for talks with U.S. officials, sparking a rebuke from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to an Israeli official, in a sign of widening cracks in Israel’s wartime government nearly five months into its war with Hamas.
The trip by Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival who joined Netanyahu’s hard-line government early in the war following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, comes amid deep disagreements between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden over how to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and create a post-war vision for the enclave.
It’s important to understand that Gantz is a high profile figure in Israel. He was asked to join the Netanyahu government after October 7 as a show of unity and was given the title of minister without portfolio. From Wikipedia:
Benjamin Gantz is an Israeli politician and retired army general who has served as minister without portfolio since 2023. Gantz also served as Minister of Defense between 2020 and 2022 and as deputy prime minister between 2021 and 2022. From 2020 to 2021, he was the alternate prime minister.
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On 12 October 2023, following the breakout of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, the National Unity Party announced that it would form a war cabinet with Likud. Gantz was appointed as a minister without portfolio in the Thirty-seventh government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Politico specifically states that Gantz’s trip to the US is being made in open defiance of Netanyahu:
An official from Netanyahu’s Likud party said Gantz’s visit was without authorization from the Israeli leader. The official said Netanyahu had a “tough talk” with Gantz about the trip and told him the country has “just one prime minister.”
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Gantz is set to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, according to his National Unity party.
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Netanyahu has tanked in popularity since the war broke out, according to most opinion polls, …
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... Another top Cabinet official from Gantz’s party has questioned the handling of the war and the strategy for freeing the hostages.
Netanyahu’s government, Israel’s most conservative and religious ever, has also been rattled by a court-ordered deadline for a new bill to broaden military enlistment of ultra-Orthodox Jews, many of whom are exempted to pursue religious studies. Hundreds of Israeli soldiers have been killed since Oct. 7, and the military is looking to fill its ranks.
Gantz, who polls show would earn enough support to become prime minister if a vote were held today, has remained vague about his view of Palestinian statehood.
Clearly there is broad ranging disagreement over key issues, and widespread dissatisfaction with Netanyahu—both in Israel as well as in the US. On the US side, and probably in Israeli circles as well, there is a growing recognition that suppport for genocide is a losing issue in US politics—and especially the longer it continues. Gantz’s trip to the US and meetings with top NS officials brings those two sides together. What it all means remains uncertain. At a minimum
Meanwhile, Orthodox Jews are fleeing Israel in droves.
Not really news, given that there’s zero surprise factor in the decision, but 9-0 is good for the country:
JUST IN:
U.S. Supreme Court reverses Colorado's decision. Trump will remain on the ballot, all nine justices have ruled.
https://thefederalist.com/2024/03/04/thank-you-justices-ketanji-brown-jackson-sonia-sotomayor-and-elena-kagan-for-your-stunning-bravery-and-true-patriotism/
Cabinet minister Gantz is traveling to the U.S. to meet with…Kamala Harris and Jake Sullivan! Good luck Mr. Gantz!