In a statement posted on X, Yair Golan, major general of Israel’s army reserve said the decision to expand military operation in Gaza was made — “not to maintain Israel’s security, but to save Netanyahu and the extremist government,” Al Jazeera reports.

“The actual occupation of the Strip in the name of ‘government survival’ will cost us blood — in the lives of the captives, in the lives of male and female soldiers, in exhaustion, and most importantly: in losing our way,” he said.

Golan, who also serves as leader of the opposition Democrats party, said the Israeli military’s only role is to “protect the citizens of Israel, not serve political goals”.

Opinion

Editorial

Climate choices
Updated 15 Jun, 2026

Climate choices

The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.
Brief opening
15 Jun, 2026

Brief opening

WE have been here before. Throughout the weekend, there was great anticipation that a tentative framework for peace...
Environmental disaster
15 Jun, 2026

Environmental disaster

IT was a heartbreaking sight. A recent news report in these pages carried a picture of a sea turtle lying half ...
Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...