The comments of Moshe Yaalon, former Israeli chief of staff and Minister of Defense, have sparked heated controversy. In an interview, he denounced military operations in Gaza as “ethnic cleansing.”
Virulent reactions within the Israeli government
Moshe Yaalon, 74, is no stranger to hard-hitting statements. In an interview with the private channel DemocratTV, he claims that the Israeli army is carrying out “ethnic cleansing” in the Gaza Strip. According to him, current policy leads to the conquest and annexation of territories. Asked about his shocking words, he added: “ What’s going on there? There is no more Beit Lahia, no more Beit Hanoun […] we clear the land of the Arabs. » These words, of unprecedented seriousness, come in a context where Israeli military operations are already the subject of considerable international criticism.
Ya’alon’s statements immediately sparked condemnation within the Israeli political class. Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, called his comments a “disgrace,” adding that they tarnish the image of the Israeli army. For its part, the Likud, party of Benjamin Netanyahu, sees in these accusations a “gift to the ICC” (International Criminal Court), which has already been examining complaints for war crimes since November 21, 2024. The ICC has issued a mandate arrest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gaza: a war with catastrophic results
Former member of Likud and close to Benjamin Netanyahu, Moshe Yaalon held strategic positions within the government (head of the Israeli army between 2002 and 2005). However, his growing differences with the Prime Minister led him to leave the party in 2016. Considered a hawk during his political career within Likud, he has since taken more critical positions, notably against colonization policies. He withdrew from public life in 2021, but his latest abject speeches demonstrate a desire on his part to weigh again in the political debate.
The situation in Gaza remains dramatic. Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has caused thousands of deaths, particularly among civilians. The figures are overwhelming: according to the UN, more than 44,000 people died in Gaza, while the initial Hamas attack claimed more than 1,200 lives in Israel.
International, Defense news