Retired General Urges Full Conquest of Gaza and Extended Military Service to Defeat Hamas

Retired Major General Uzi Dayan, former Deputy Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor, called for a decisive and aggressive approach against Hamas in Gaza during a recent interview on Channel 14's "Israel Morning." Dayan advocated continuing the "eliminate and occupy" strategy, which involves killing armed terrorists and expanding territorial control by capturing additional areas and destroying hostile neighborhoods. He emphasized that Gaza must be fully conquered until Hamas is completely destroyed, using a biblical analogy: "until we see Hamas die on the shores of Gaza."

Dayan dismissed the idea of merely disarming Hamas as insufficient, stating that anyone armed with weapons, rockets, or incendiary balloons should be eliminated. He also urged an immediate extension of mandatory military service to three years, citing new security challenges along Israel's borders with Lebanon, Syria, the Jordan Valley, Arava, and Gaza. He criticized previous reductions in service length as "populist acts" and stressed the need for more regular soldiers rather than reservists.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated due to Hamas launching incendiary balloons into southern Israel, prompting Israeli defensive strikes. The Israeli Peace Council condemned all militant activities, including balloon launches, and urged Israel to adhere to ceasefire agreements, warning against prolonged military operations beyond immediate threats. Following Israeli warnings, Gaza residents have reportedly begun destroying incendiary balloons to prevent further escalation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have demanded that the balloon attacks cease within three days, threatening an extensive aerial campaign if the attacks continue. The Chief of Staff, National Security Advisor, and senior military officials have been involved in assessing the situation. Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will not return to the pre-October 7 reality and will prevent Hamas or any Gaza factions from threatening Israeli communities or undermining civilian security.