Israel is being urged by the U.S. and other ally countries to transition to low-intensity military operations in Gaza to avoid civilian casualties.
Israeli tanks cross a barbed wire fence at a position along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on November 12, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Thankfully, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Monday, Jan. 15, that they will start scaling down their attacks in the Palestinian city.
He confirmed that the intensive maneuvering stage of Israel's military offensive in southern and northern Gaza would end soon. However, the decision of IDF to with Israeli troops from the Palestinian city creates divisions among war cabinet members.
Israel's Military Withdrawal Creates Divisions Within Israeli War Cabinet
The Israeli war cabinet members are having new public divisions because of the military withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces.
Israel's defense and military officials are debating if they should focus on eliminating Hamas terrorists or prioritize the safety of hostages.
Former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, one of the war cabinet members, said Israel should show courage to lead a large deal to ensure the release of hostages.
"Your time is running out, and each daythat passes endangers their lives," he added via NBC News.
His fellow war cabinet war Benny Gantz also agreed with him, saying that negotiation for a deal to release the remaining war hostages should be pushed.
Meanwhile, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned the decision of of IDF to withdraw Israeli soldiers from the Gaza Strip. He said that the IDF's move was an acute and severe mistake that could cost human lives.
Aside from Ben-Gvir, other members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government also criticized the move of the Israel Defense Forces.
Israel's war cabinet members are not the only ones in conflict. Even Israeli civilians are arguing if the military operations should be scaled down.
Unfortunately, over 65% of them said that IDF should not reduce its aerial attacks and other military activities in the Gaza Strip.
Read Also: Israel Cabinet Approves 2024 Budget, Adds $15 Billion To Supplement War in Gaza
What To Know About IDF's Military Withdrawal
Israeli military tanks roll near the border with the Gaza Strip on December 3, 2023, amid continuing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Israel struck Gaza targets on December 3 in its war on Hamas as international concern mounted over the spiralling civilian death toll.
According to CNN World, IDF's military withdrawal involves pulling out Israel's 36th division. This military group consists of engineering and infantry companies, as well as armored groups.
Recently, an IDF spokesperson said that the withdrawal of the 36th division was conducted so that Israeli troops could undergo a period of refreshment and training.
"At the end of the period, and according to the assessment of the situation, it will be decided on the continuation of the operational activity of the division's forces according to the operational need," said the official.
Related Article: US Urges Israel to Scale Back Attacks in Gaza, Claims It's the Right Time Despite Hamas Releasing Hostage Videos
