Israeli Army Supports Ceasefire Idea with Hamas: NYT

The Israeli military leadership considers a ceasefire with the Hamas movement to be the "fastest way" to free hostages. This is reported by The New York Times, citing six sources from the country's national security.

Additionally, such a move would allow the Israeli armed forces to use the time to recover. The publication recalls that the current resistance has become the longest war for the country in recent decades.

A ceasefire may also be necessary in case of a ground war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, as such a scenario could confront Israel with a shortage of ammunition, weapons, and equipment.

Another reason for the ceasefire, according to the publication's sources, is the direct de-escalation of relations with Hezbollah, whose leaders have previously announced that they will continue their attacks on Israel until the military operations conclude.

Former national security adviser Eyal Hulata stated that military officials fully support an agreement to free hostages and pause military operations. According to him, Israeli generals say they see no obstacles to resuming military actions against Hamas in the future, if necessary.

This position of the generals has further widened the existing rift between the military and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who advocates for the continuation of military operations, the newspaper notes.