Retired Brigadier General Erez Weiner Urges Israel to Maintain Military Pressure on Hamas
Retired Brigadier General Erez Weiner, chairman of the Security Movement, stated in an interview with Channel 7 that Israel currently holds a position of strength against Hamas but must continue its military pressure. He emphasized the need to expand the pool of active soldiers and provide greater rewards to reservists. Weiner noted that although Hamas has not been dismantled under the existing agreements, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to make gradual progress on the ground, including recent discoveries of tunnels in areas like Sajaiya where Israeli forces have been operating for months.
Addressing criticism that the IDF relies mainly on airstrikes, Weiner asserted that the military is actively engaging in offensive operations, thwarting militants, targeting anyone approaching the front lines, and destroying Hamas infrastructure at a sustainable pace. He acknowledged imperfections, including some commanders not fully utilizing their forces and operational constraints he would handle differently.
Looking ahead, Weiner proposed separating the civilian population from Hamas by relocating residents from Hamas-controlled areas and deploying an international force with a limited mandate for policing and inspections. While he personally prefers military governance, he supports a smartly implemented international presence that respects international agreements. He contrasted this with the broader UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, noting Israel’s approval of participating countries in the proposed force.
On the broader geopolitical front, Weiner commented on US-Iran tensions, praising Israel’s restraint in avoiding direct involvement. He said this restraint demonstrates Israel’s deterrence strength, as Israel remains the active attacker while others fear retaliation.
Weiner also addressed the challenges of recruiting ultra-Orthodox soldiers and the burden on reservists. He called for expanding recruitment through integrating more ultra-Orthodox youth and reactivating hundreds of thousands of trained reservists currently not called up. He stressed the importance of creating suitable frameworks supported by religious leaders to encourage enlistment rather than relying on sanctions or enforcement. Furthermore, he advocated for enhanced benefits in housing, taxation, and employment for reservists to properly recognize and reward their service.
