Israel Prize Laureate Warns of Gaza Policy Echoing Oct. 7 Failures

Elchanan Kalmanzon, an Israel Prize laureate, has issued a stark warning against the current Israeli policy regarding Gaza, stating it feels reminiscent of the events leading up to the October 7th Hamas attacks. Kalmanzon criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz's threat to evacuate Gaza City's residents southward if an Israeli civilian or soldier is abducted, deeming it insufficient.

Speaking on Galei Israel radio, Kalmanzon expressed frustration with what he perceives as a reactive security approach. He recalled a meeting with Minister Katz upon the latter's entry into office, where Katz promised a new reality in Gaza. "When you wait for Hamas's action, eventually it will happen, eventually a soldier will be abducted," Kalmanzon stated.

He questioned the delay in preemptive action against terrorist organizations, asking, "If you know Hamas is organizing, why weren't their headquarters destroyed that same day? Why don't you launch an attack?" He drew a direct parallel to the rhetoric preceding the October 7th attacks, noting the repeated conditional statements about potential actions by Hamas and Hezbollah.

Kalmanzon also addressed the ongoing control of Hamas in Gaza and urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to adopt a firm stance with the United States. "I know the truly amazing achievements we have reached, but it's not so important where the yellow line will be drawn as what happens behind it. Hamas still rules," he said. He expects Netanyahu to convey to the U.S. that Israel will not accept Hamas in any form.