Israeli Opposition Leader Admits Defeat in Gaza War, Calls for Comprehensive Deal
Jerusalem (Occupied), 29 July – (PIC): In a rare and strongly worded statement, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid admitted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has completely failed in the ongoing Gaza war and said that a comprehensive deal for prisoner release is now the only solution.
Speaking directly to the Israeli public, Lapid said, “What we are witnessing today is not victory, but a complete disaster.” He claimed that based on the intelligence and operational information available to him, the government has no plan, no vision, and no strategy to bring back the hostages from Gaza.
Lapid called for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with forces redeployed around its borders to carry out targeted operations. He proposed that Gaza’s administration be handed over to a regional Arab coalition led by Egypt.
He further criticized Netanyahu’s government for failing to end the war and for refusing to enlist ultra-Orthodox communities for military service.
According to Lapid, all previous attempts to use military pressure, block food and medical supplies, or negotiate partial deals for hostages have failed. “Hostages will only return when the war stops,” he stressed.
The opposition leader also expressed deep concern over the collapse of Gaza’s humanitarian aid system and urged immediate action to prevent famine, warning that worsening conditions could strengthen Hamas’ public support.
Lapid warned that if the situation does not change, Israel could face economic and legal sanctions, with even soldiers fearing arrest during international travel.
He condemned statements by far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have hinted at a permanent military government and endless war in Gaza, calling their ideas dangerous.
Concluding his remarks, Lapid said, “We must end this war immediately and secure a comprehensive prisoners’ deal. This way, Israel will achieve two things: bring its hostages home and exit a war that is leading nowhere.”
