In a recent interview, a senior advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed concerns about Israel's use of large bombs during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The advisor firmly rejected any allegation that Israel was acting against the rules of armed conflict. He emphasized that Israel's target selection process is rigorous and based on intelligence, taking into account factors such as collateral damage and the specific requirements of each target.
When questioned about the use of so-called dumb bombs, the advisor pointed out that previous reports had quoted a senior U.S. official who described Israel's tactics as making these weapons precision. He explained that the Israeli Air Force employs close-up dive-bombing-type tactics, ensuring that bombs are launched with precision rather than being dropped indiscriminately.
The advisor declined to comment on alleged conversations between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the erosion of global support for Israel due to perceived indiscriminate bombing. However, he highlighted the efforts made by the Israeli military to safeguard civilian populations, such as issuing warning messages, dropping leaflets, and specifying safe areas for evacuation. These efforts, he argued, exceeded those of other Western militaries in similar situations.
Twitter Post On Israeli Senior Advisor rejects indiscriminate bombing allegations, highlights Hamas tactics
Addressing casualty figures, the advisor stressed that Hamas deliberately uses civilian populations as shields for its terror activities. He accused Hamas of embedding itself under schools, mosques, UN facilities, residential neighborhoods, and hospitals. This strategy, he claimed, endangers the lives of Gaza's civilians. Despite Israel's best efforts to limit civilian casualties, the advisor acknowledged the difficulties of fighting Hamas in such circumstances.
Regarding the recent resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council, calling for a pause in the fighting to allow aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza, the advisor expressed gratitude for the United States' diplomatic support in preventing a one-sided resolution that would have given Hamas a lifeline. He argued that a unilateral, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire would only perpetuate Hamas' power and lead to further bloodshed in the future. The advisor emphasized that Hamas openly declares its belief in permanent war with Israel, making any resolution supporting the group unacceptable.
In conclusion, the senior advisor conveyed Israel's appreciation for the United States' support and its commitment to opposing resolutions that would benefit Hamas. The advisor reiterated that there can be no peace with Hamas and called for a comprehensive strategy to address the ongoing conflict.
