Critics within the former security system are questioning the IDF's decision to issue warnings to Hamas members prior to demolishing high-rise structures, even in the face of hundreds of Palestinian casualties. They assert that all senior and junior Hamas operatives, who have declared war on Israel, should face severe consequences and not be allowed to continue utilizing military tactics, combat maneuvers, and protracted battles, but rather face the full brunt of warfare.
'If a regional war erupts, we are ill-prepared'
Major in the reserves, Yitzhak Barik, who has been outspoken about the nation's lack of preparedness for war, was interviewed on 103 FM.
He stated, "Regrettably, I was correct, and I sincerely hope that I won't be proven even more correct. If a regional war erupts and we are ill-prepared, the catastrophe will be exponentially worse.
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement must acknowledge that Iran possesses the capability to devastate Israel," he continued. "Not only are our reserves unprepared, but the army has been severely downsized to the point where we lack the capacity to handle conflicts in multiple arenas simultaneously. It's imperative that we establish a National Guard consisting of 100,000 individuals and equip them to defend themselves."
Simultaneously, the process of purging Gaza Strip settlements from terrorists who infiltrated yesterday remains ongoing. At this moment, six combat zones have yet to be declared completely cleared. Israeli troops are conducting house-to-house searches, combing open areas and thickets while conducting scans.
Meanwhile, numerous families from the Gaza Strip are being evacuated by Israeli forces or are evacuating independently.
One resident of Sderot expressed shock: "What occurred here is truly startling."