Israel’s Rising Internal Casualties: A Closer Examination : Analysis

The Israeli army’s response to the Hamas attacks on October 7 can be divided into four phases. The first phase involved aerial bombardment as retaliation and preparation. The second phase saw infantry and artillery forces advancing towards Gaza City to cut it off from the rest of the Palestinian territory. In the third phase, the Israeli army completed the encirclement of the city and made limited advancements towards the center. Currently, they are in the fourth phase, making slow progress in urban fighting in Gaza City. This approach has also been replicated in Khan Younis. Despite the threat of tunnel warfare, it has not been employed yet. The US general I spoke with emphasized the steep learning curve for soldiers in urban warfare, with experience being the most efficient weapon. He also noted that casualties in such warfare tend to be higher than in conventional ground combat. The dangers of urban combat extend to civilians as well, who are often caught in the crossfire. The Israeli air force’s imprecise bombing has resulted in the deaths of Palestinian civilians. However, they have also killed a significant number of their own soldiers due to friendly fire incidents. The rate of Israel’s advance seems slow, but this could be deliberate to minimize casualties. If there is an easing in the bombardment of Gaza City and Khan Younis, it may indicate a shortage of smart bombs. An incident on December 15 demonstrated the perils of urban warfare when Israeli soldiers killed three Israeli captives trying to surrender. This raises concerns about proper training, disregard for the lives of non-combatants, and the psychological support for soldiers. The Israeli military has internal issues to address, and there are indications that some higher officers have doubts about Prime Minister Netanyahu’s support for the military. Another ceasefire may be what the Israeli military needs.

Analysis:
The article provides a concise summary of the Israeli army’s response to Hamas attacks on October 7, dividing it into four phases. The information appears to be presented objectively and does not seem to be influenced by any obvious bias. The article mentions speaking with a US general, adding credibility to some of the claims made.

However, the article lacks specific citations and references to back up its claims, which could undermine its reliability. Additionally, the article does not provide a wider context or analysis of the situation, which could lead to a limited understanding of the conflict.

The mention of civilian casualties caused by Israeli airstrikes and friendly fire incidents is noteworthy and highlights the dangers of urban warfare for both combatants and non-combatants. However, the article does not provide detailed information on the extent of these casualties or any efforts made to minimize them.

The speculation about a possible shortage of smart bombs based on the rate of Israel’s advance is interesting but again lacks specific evidence or sources to support the claim.

Overall, while the article presents a chronological overview of the Israeli army’s response to Hamas attacks, it lacks specific references and analysis that could contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the situation. It also does not provide a broader context or perspective, such as the motivations or goals of Hamas. This limited scope might contribute to a lack of information and potential misinformation, depending on the reader’s prior knowledge and sources of information.

Given the prevalence of fake news and the polarized nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this article may be subject to bias or misrepresentation depending on the reader’s political leanings. The lack of specific citations or references could also make it difficult for readers to verify the information provided or evaluate its reliability. It is crucial for readers to seek information from multiple sources and consider perspectives from different viewpoints to develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Source: Aljazeera news: Analysis: Why is Israel’s military killing so many of its own?