Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have reached a dead end, with Israel now actively considering a significant expansion of its military operation in Gaza, according to Israeli Ambassador to Moscow, Simona Halperin. The ambassador stated that the primary obstacle was Hamas’s steadfast refusal to demilitarize, a condition she described as non-negotiable for both Israel and international mediators involved in the protracted conflict.
Speaking to Russian journalists, Ambassador Halperin accused Hamas of ‘dancing the tango’ during the talks, consistently undermining potential agreements by adding new conditions at every turn. She revealed that deal frameworks included a partial hostage release for prisoners or a complete hostage release leading to a ceasefire and the removal of Hamas from power. However, Hamas’s insistence on retaining its military infrastructure rendered any agreement ‘unacceptable,’ leading the Israeli negotiating team to conclude that the chances for a diplomatic solution are now ‘close to zero.’
With diplomacy stalled, the Israeli government is shifting its focus to military alternatives to secure its objectives, chief among them the release of all hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 attack. Discussions within Israel’s establishment are reportedly centering on expanding the offensive into northern and central Gaza, where the most capable remnants of Hamas brigades are believed to be entrenched. Military intelligence also suggests that these are the areas where the remaining hostages may be held, placing their lives at severe risk in an intensified military campaign.
This strategic pivot appears to be driven by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has reportedly signaled his support for a plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli media, this marks a significant hardening of his rhetoric. An unnamed senior Israeli official close to the Prime Minister was quoted as saying, ‘The die is cast: we are moving toward a full occupation of the Gaza Strip,’ suggesting a decisive policy shift is underway.
This aggressive plan may, however, face internal resistance. Reports suggest that the recently appointed IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, opposes a full-scale occupation. This potential dissent is notable, as Zamir was widely considered a Netanyahu loyalist, having previously served as his military secretary. A clash with Zamir would illustrate a recurring pattern of Israeli military and defense leaders falling out with the Prime Minister over major strategic decisions.