Zionists Admit: “We Were Defeated, and Hamas Prevailed”
Widespread frustration and dissatisfaction dominate Zionist circles, where heated debates reflect the severity of the crisis triggered by the ceasefire agreement. This crisis threatens to exacerbate internal political and social instability, particularly following the resignation of the so-called Minister of Defense. There was growing discontent in media and elite circles with many acknowledging Hamas’s victory and the Israeli military’s defeat—an admission coming before Palestinians themselves declared their triumph.
The most prominent statement came from Giora Eiland, head of the Zionist “National Security Council” and architect of the “Generals’ Plan,” during an interview with the Hebrew Channel 12:
“This war is an undeniable Israeli failure in Gaza. Hamas has certainly won. This is a resounding failure because not only did Hamas manage to prevent Israel from achieving its goals, but it also succeeded in achieving its own, primarily remaining in power. The agreement does not prevent Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities. If it does so and Israel acts against it, it will be Israel that breaches the agreement.”
Eiland’s remarks echoed his earlier acknowledgment that the Israeli entity had failed to achieve its stated objectives in the war. He noted that ” Hamas would recover from the severe blow it suffered, that all captives would not be returned, and that “Israel” could not eliminate Hamas’s authority”.
Growing Consensus on Failure
The recognition of failure was first voiced by Itamar Ben Gvir, the so-called Minister of National Security, who resigned from the government this morning, having previously denounced the agreement as disgraceful. Speaking to the Zionist Channel 12, Ben Gvir said:
“After hearing the details of the agreement, I felt shocked and horrified. This is madness that must not pass. They want us to release Palestinian prisoners sentenced to jail who will return to Jerusalem and the West Bank. I urge ministers from the “Likud “and “Religious Zionism” parties to block this agreement.”
“Mossad” previous chief Tamir Pardo succinctly expressed his dismay:
“Israel will leave Gaza, and Hamas will remain.”
Similarly, the so-called Israeli Foreign Minister stated:
“The release of captives came at a high price.”
He emphasized that Israel would do everything possible to free all captives but acknowledged, as he had earlier, that despite the significant strikes against Hamas, “Israel” failed to achieve its war goals.
Media Criticism and Public Discontent
Zionist media uniformly described the ceasefire agreement as collective punishment, calling it a price reflective of failure. Many outlets warned of the agreement’s implications for the Zionist society, highlighting its potential to deepen divisions.
The Hebrew “Yedioth Ahronoth” wrote that while the agreement lacked widespread support, the Zionist authorities were incapable of rejecting or bypassing it:
“This is not an ideal agreement but a terrible one for “Israelis”. It amounts to collective punishment for the failure of October 7. Yet, despite its unpopularity, “Israeli” authorities have no choice but to accept it.”
Hot debates on Zionist channels further underscored this narrative. A Hebrew affairs analyst from Channel 12 noted:
“The Prime Minister has politically failed, and so has the military and Chief of Staff Halevi. The army was unable to fulfill its tasks or achieve the anticipated victory over Hamas. Politically, there was no alternative created for governance in Gaza. Both the political and military leadership have failed.”
A military analyst added:
“What happened is a defeat, regardless of how it is labeled. What “Israel” has lost is far greater than any consolation it may have gained. The leadership failed to replace Hamas’s rule because, in reality, Hamas is Gaza, and Gaza is Hamas. Finding an alternative remains an immense challenge, even with what some call ‘Trumpian magic.’”
Protests Against the Ceasefire Agreement
Ahead of the ceasefire’s implementation, “Tel Aviv” witnessed protests by settlers opposing the prisoner exchange deal. Clashes erupted between protesters and police, who deployed foul-smelling water cannons to disperse them on “Begin Road”.
A Zionist media platform reported that the protesters objected to the agreement’s enactment, warning that:
“The deal will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, squander the war’s achievements, and pave the way for another attack like the al-Aqsa Flood of October 7.”
Similarly, in occupied Jerusalem, settlers staged a Saturday evening protest that devolved into scuffles. According to the Zionist public broadcasting, occupation police warned the families of six prisoners in East Jerusalem—scheduled for release today—against holding celebrations. Police also raided several homes in the West Bank and Jerusalem to prevent any festivities.