Israel National News reports: “Maj. Gen. (res.) Eliezer Marom, former commander of the Israeli Navy, explained Friday morning what he believes is necessary to achieve victory in Gaza.

In an interview with 103FM Radio, he explained, ‘We need to strike Hamas as hard as possible, while simultaneously working toward an arrangement. It’s complex and difficult, but there is no other choice.’

‘Suppose we end the war, leave the Strip, and Hamas remains intact with its weapons after all hostages are released — what have we achieved? All the efforts of the past year and a half would be in vain, and we’d have to return to Gaza again and again.’

He noted, ‘Using force isn’t ideal, but if done gradually and wisely, there’s a chance that Hamas will eventually say, ‘I’m want this,’ and we’ll reach a solution — even if it’s not an optimal one. There are about 3 million Palestinians in Judea and Samaria, and 2 million in Gaza, and none of them like us.’

According to him, Hamas wants a new deal to maintain some form of control in Gaza…”