Ex-Israeli Defense Chief Accuses Israel Of ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ In Gaza

 

In a shocking revelation that has sparked widespread outrage, Israel’s former Defense Minister, Moshe Yaalon, has accused the Israeli military of engaging in “ethnic cleansing” in the Gaza Strip.

Yaalon, who led the Israeli army between 2002 and 2005 and later served as Defense Minister, made the explosive remarks during an interview on DemocratTV, a private television channel.

“The road we are being led down is conquest, annexation, and ethnic cleansing,” Yaalon stated emphatically. When pressed further about his claim, the 74-year-old elaborated: “What is happening there? There is no more Beit Lahia, no more Beit Hanoun. The army intervenes in Jabalia, and in reality, the land is being cleared of Arabs.”

The northern Gaza Strip, including the towns Yaalon referenced, has been the focal point of a fierce Israeli military offensive since October 6, 2023. The operation, according to the Israeli government, aims to neutralize the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

However, human rights groups and international observers have pointed to the devastating toll on civilian lives, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 44,000 deaths, figures deemed credible by the United Nations.

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Yaalon’s comments immediately drew condemnation from key Israeli political figures. Far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, described the remarks as a “shame” and an embarrassment to Israel. Similarly, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party lambasted Yaalon, branding his statements “empty and dishonest remarks” that serve as “a gift to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Israel’s enemies.”

The ICC has previously issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza. Yaalon’s remarks may add fuel to international scrutiny as the UN recently described Israel’s actions in Gaza as bearing “the characteristics of genocide.”

Israel, however, has dismissed such assessments as “anti-Israel fabrications,” further deepening the divide between the government and critics both within and outside the country.

Moshe Yaalon, who resigned from his ministerial position in 2016 over policy disagreements with Netanyahu, has long been a polarizing figure in Israeli politics. His latest remarks underscore a growing rift within Israel’s leadership over the handling of the Gaza conflict, which began following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians.