Former Senior Israeli Officer Claims Hamas Could Have Been Defeated Like PLO in Lebanon

Retired Brigadier General Guy Hazut, who served as head of the learning division in the IDF Ground Forces during the Iron Swords war, explained in a Radio 103FM interview why Israel has struggled to achieve decisive results in the three-year conflict in Gaza. He said Israel has had difficulty converting significant tactical gains into political achievements. Hazut highlighted that in November 2023, Israel launched a highly effective and strategic decisive maneuver in Gaza, prompting Hamas to push for a ceasefire for the first time, recognizing it was facing a military force conducting a conclusive battle.

Hazut asserted that Israel had the opportunity to defeat Hamas decisively, similar to how it forced the PLO out of Lebanon, emphasizing that fighting according to Israel’s principles would have led to Hamas’s defeat. His comments came in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement rejecting the 15-point document concerning Gaza, with Netanyahu affirming that the IDF will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed and threats to Israeli forces and civilians are neutralized.

Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced that a peace council reached a "historic agreement" for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, calling it a significant step toward lasting peace and security.