Danny Danon Says Bibi’s Troop Withdrawal Sends ‘Very Bad Message’ to Sinwar

ISRAEL (VINnews) — On Monday, Knesset Minister Danny Danon sharply criticized Benjamin Netanyahu’s withdrawal of thousands of troops from Gaza–suggesting that it projects weakness, and that it Israel is caving into pressure from President Biden

“The reports in recent days point to a worrying trend,” said the former Israeli ambassador to the UN. “Israel is losing the achievements it gained in the war because of pressure from the US.”

“Buckling in the face of American pressure does not advance the goals of the war. Neither the release of the hostages nor the defeat of Hamas. What interest does Hamas have in negotiating a deal if they understand that in any case, Israel is going to cease fighting? You led the beginning of the war with determination and strength and the results were clear. We need to continue like this. The message that Sinwar is receiving from us now, about the withdrawal of the forces, is a very bad message,” Danon added.

Israel has signaled that it is getting softer on Hamas and implementing a less intense combat strategy.

As reported by Reuters: “Israel’s decision to withdraw some troops from Gaza appears to signal the start of a shift to lower-intensity operations in the north of the Palestinian enclave, although there was still fighting going on there [according to a U.S. official].

“This appears to be the start of the gradual shift to lower-intensity operations in the north that we have been encouraging,” the official said, noting the change reflected the success of the Israeli military in dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities there…”

“U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Israel’s objectives and the phasing of its military operations in Gaza on Dec. 23, the White House said.

“He also underscored the need to protect civilian lives and secure the release of hostages being held by the Hamas Islamist militant group, it said.”

“U.S. officials have urged Israel to shift its military operations in Gaza to a lower-intensity phase that would include more targeted operations focused on the Hamas leadership and its infrastructure.”