Source: Global Times

[Global Times Comprehensive Report] On the 12th, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was asked during an interview with the media whether he felt a connection to the "Greater Israel" concept. He said "very much connected," and believed that he was carrying out a "historical and spiritual mission" on behalf of the Israeli people. This statement was strongly condemned by Arab media. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry on the 13th condemned Netanyahu's remarks regarding the "Greater Israel" concept. Saudi media even directly stated: "The Middle East is not a playground for Israel to realize its fantasies." Many Arab netizens also posted comments criticizing Netanyahu's statement, saying that it showed clear expansionist intentions and seriously threatened regional security and stability.

"A Mission Across Generations"

The Israel Times reported on the 12th that Netanyahu acknowledged that he was bearing the "historical and spiritual mission" and expressed his high regard for the "Greater Israel" concept. Netanyahu said that he "bears a mission across generations," that generations of Jews have dreamed of going to the "Promised Land," and that there will be generations of Jews who "follow our steps." According to the Turkish Radio and Television International Channel, the "Greater Israel" concept is usually used to describe the territories occupied by Israel during the Third Arab-Israeli War in 1967, including East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, and the Golan Heights of Syria. Early Zionists also included the current Jordan region within this concept.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry on the 13th condemned the remarks as "dangerous and provocative escalation actions," threatening its national sovereignty, violating international law and the UN Charter. The spokesperson of the Jordanian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the international community must take immediate action to stop all provocative acts by Israel that threaten regional stability and international peace and security. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (Jihad) also responded sharply on the 13th, stating that the remarks clearly indicated Israel's aggressive intentions towards "Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon." Many Arab media outlets on the 13th strongly criticized Netanyahu's "Greater Israel" concept, calling his remarks indicative of extreme mentality and condemning Netanyahu for being "possessed by violent consciousness." The Saudi Okaz newspaper criticized the Israeli remarks, saying that the statements aim to divert international attention, but "the Middle East is not a playground for Israel to realize its fantasies."

In the interview, Netanyahu also mentioned that Israel would "allow" Gazans to evacuate before starting the military operation to "take over Gaza." He said, "Israel is negotiating with many countries that may accept Gazans, and all countries concerned about Palestinians and wishing to help them should open their doors."

On the 12th, the Associated Press cited sources who said that Israel is discussing the possibility of relocating Palestinians to South Sudan. It was reported that an Israeli delegation plans to visit South Sudan to explore the possibility of setting up temporary refugee camps for Palestinians, and Israel may fund this effort. Egypt strongly opposes the plan to move Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip. As of the time of this report, neither Israel nor South Sudan has responded.

Mediation for Ceasefire

Meanwhile, Israel is intensifying its bombing of Gaza. Witnesses and medical staff told Reuters on the 12th that Israeli aircraft and tanks attacked the eastern areas of Gaza City overnight. Al Jazeera reported that the Zetoun, Sabra, and Sheik Radwan areas of Gaza City were heavily damaged. The Gaza Health Department said on the 13th that Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours resulted in 123 Palestinian deaths and 437 injuries.

A delegation led by Hamas senior member Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo, Egypt on the 12th to discuss a ceasefire framework with Egyptian mediators. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that Egypt is coordinating with Qatar and the United States to seek a "comprehensive ceasefire agreement" between Israel and Hamas.

Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya TV reported on the 13th that Hamas senior officials revealed that negotiations began on the 13th, focusing on "stopping the war, delivering aid supplies, and achieving national consensus."

According to Israel's Channel 12, Israel may send a delegation to Doha, Qatar this week to begin a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks, with the United States and some Arab countries striving to achieve a ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu also stated on the 12th that Israel is seeking a comprehensive agreement to release all detained individuals, no longer seeking phased agreements.

Conflict Between the Israeli Defense Ministry and the Military

Recently, the Israeli Defense Ministry and the IDF have had intense conflicts over personnel appointments. According to the Jerusalem Post, on the 11th, the Chief of Staff of the IDF approved the appointment of 27 brigadier generals and colonels. However, the office of the Defense Minister Katz responded on the 12th that the above appointments were made without prior coordination and without approval from the Defense Ministry, violating established procedures. According to Israeli media reports, as of the 13th, both sides are still "facing off" over this issue.

According to an analysis by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, generally, the appointment of senior military officers is under the authority of the Chief of Staff, and reporting to the Defense Ministry is just a formality. However, the conflict between Katz and Zamir stems from the previous cabinet's approval of expanding military plans. Senior military figures represented by Zamir strongly opposed the expansion of the war and the plan to "take over" Gaza City, which greatly upset the Netanyahu government. The Defense Ministry aims to weaken Zamir's power through the appointment of senior officials, or even marginalize him, so he cannot oppose the cabinet's decisions.

The Washington Post analyzed that recent internal disputes in the Israeli decision-making circle are severe, with many senior officers believing that the Israeli military cannot achieve any further strategic goals. The report quoted an unnamed former senior military official who said that some officers are increasingly worried that prolonged warfare is causing long-term damage to Israel's international standing, while some Defense Ministry officials are concerned that the military may resist government orders. However, this officer stated that the military will follow the cabinet's orders, but has some freedom in executing details.

[Special Correspondents of Global Times in Egypt and Israel: Huang Peizhao, Zhang Hao, Special Correspondent Tang Luyi]

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538204649363456547/

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