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Tensions between the IDF and Netanyahu have become so severe that there are even some whispers of a possible military coup. Veteran and respected military correspondent Ron Ben-Yishai published a bombshell story in Ynet today. Tensions surround Netanyahu's indecision on what the IDF believes are the five most important issues surrounding the war today:
* The hostage deal* The day after plan* The Rafah operation* The war in the north* The defense budget
The Hostage Deal: The IDF feels that ending the war now and focusing on getting the hostages back is a good idea strategically. However, they are also willing to wage this war to the end. But right now, they feel the war is being fought with one hand tied behind their backs, and every day, more hostages could die. They believe the situation would be much better if Netanyahu decided on one path.
The Day After Plan: The IDF feels that by not creating an alternate governance mechanism, all of the fighting and sacrifices it has made so far have been wasted. As soon as they leave, Hamas goes back in. This is frustrating to them since many soldiers died to take these areas that are just given up because there is no governing alternative to Hamas. The IDF is willing to create a military government or support a newly installed PA government or something of the sort. They think it is time for Netanyahu to decide.
The operation in Rafah: The IDF has an operation ready to go in Rafah and believes it is essential to do so. They also believe the operation would pressure Hamas into a hostage deal. However, they are amazed that Netanyahu has not yet given the order to clear Rafah since that will take weeks. They want Netanyahu to decide already because without going in, the hostage negotiations are dragging on, and Hamas still controls the tunnels leading to Egypt.
The war in the north: The IDF feels it is not being given the tools to bring quiet back to the north. They are concerned the new normal will be a war of attrition that doesn't allow the residents home. They believe Israel needs to either reach a ceasefire with Hamas and try to calm things diplomatically or let them go into Lebanon. They just want Netanyahu to decide.
The Defense budget: The IDF needs to know which front the government will focus on to know what to spend money on. Long-range capabilities against Iran? A military government in Gaza? A war in Lebanon? They have no idea what to plan for, what weapons to buy, and how to organize the troops.The feeling that Netanyahu is inept and indecisive to the point of paralyzing the war is rampant in the army. These five points are the reason. Ben-Yishai compares the feeling in the army to the "generals mutiny" that occurred before the 1967 War when Levi Eshkol hesitated to attack Egypt. The IDF was considering taking steps against the Prime Minister. That was settled by a decision to go to war. Will Netanyahu make the necessary decisions? If not, some worry the military will take matters into their own hands. They feel the future of the country is at stake.
