Israeli Military Leaders Call for Political Action in Gaza and Lebanon

Israel's top military brass has sent clear signals that the country has done all it can on the battlefield in Gaza and Lebanon. They're urging political leaders to step in and negotiate a deal. This comes as Lebanon's prime minister hints at a possible ceasefire with Hezbollah. Both U. S. presidential candidates have also expressed a desire to avoid wars in the region. The Israeli Defense Forces' chief general recently met with officers in northern Gaza. He suggested that the military phases of the conflicts should wrap up. "In the north, we might reach a swift end, " he said, referring to the war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. In Gaza, he added, "If we eliminate the northern brigade commander, it could lead to a collapse. "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed "absolute victory. " His defense minister, Yoav Gallant, disagrees. He once called this goal "nonsense. " Gallant recently sent a memo to the prime minister, stating that the war has lost its way. He believes Israel should aim for the release of remaining hostages, no military threat from Hamas, and civilian rule in Gaza. Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, said a Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire could be days away. Israel has been bombing Lebanon for a month and killed Hezbollah's leader. Now, Hezbollah might accept a ceasefire without waiting for the Gaza conflict to end. Netanyahu, however, remains firm. He said, "Absolute victory is a step-by-step plan that we follow. " Israel and Hamas are negotiating in Qatar. Netanyahu might accept a short ceasefire for hostage releases, but he won't promise a bigger deal.