Based on interviews with current and former Israeli military officials, The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Israeli generals believe a ceasefire would be the quickest way to free the roughly 120 Israelis still held captive in Gaza, both dead and alive.
They also think it would help de-escalate tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon at a time when Israeli forces are fatigued and ill-equipped for further fighting following nearly nine months of war in Gaza, the regime's longest military engagement in decades.
Israeli generals fear that without a pause, a potential land war against Hezbollah could catch them off guard.
With Netanyahu unwilling to commit to ending the war without first eliminating Hamas, a task military leaders have acknowledged is unattainable, the Israeli army fears a "forever war" that gradually erodes their manpower and ammunition while leaving the captives behind.
The military's push for a ceasefire reflects a major shift in its thinking, as it became clear that Netanyahu lacked a clear postwar plan.
With the army short on spare parts, munitions, motivation and even troops, the generals believe a truce is necessary to allow them to recuperate in case a wider war with Hezbollah breaks out, even if it means Hamas will remain in power in Gaza for the time being.
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