Israel's National Security Adviser's Turn Admits Hamas Can't Be Lost

JAKARTA - Senior Israeli officials admit it was impossible to eliminate Hamas, a second statement from state officials, following a similar confession from top military officials last week.

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said Hamas could not be completely removed, a statement previously received a warning from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"We can't get rid of Hamas as an idea, there we need an alternative idea," he said at the annual conference of Herzliya, reported The Times of Israel on June 25.

At the same time, he revealed that a plan to replace Hamas would begin in the next few days.

Hanegbi argues that building a process to replace Hamas is the key to a long-term victory in the Gaza Strip.

"We don't have to wait for Hamas to disappear, because this is a long process," said Hanegbi.

Last week, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Badhi said on Wednesday Israel's war goal of eradicating the militant group would not be achievable at this time, citing tensions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and high-ranking defense officials related to the war in Gaza.

"The business of destroying Hamas, making Hamas disappear, it's just like throwing sand into the eyes of the public," Laksda kazi told Channel 13 News in an interview.

"Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a party. It takes root in the hearts of the people. Whoever thinks we can eliminate Hamas, is wrong," he continued.

"if the government does not find an alternative, (Hamas) will remain in the Gaza Strip," he warned.

In response, PM Netanyahu's Office said in a statement that the cabinet of the security cabinet "has designated the destruction of military capabilities and the Hamas Administration as one of the purposes of war."

"Israel Defense Forces is of course committed to this," the statement added.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit then issued a statement that the military was committed to war goals declared by the government, including destroying the capabilities of the Hamas administration and military, adding that Laksda Miki spoke in the interview about "putting down Hamas as ideology and ideas."

"Every opposite claim is a statement taken out of context," he added.

However, Laksda miri's comments on Wednesday echoed statements he made last month when he was asked if the military's decision to return to the area previously cleared of Hamas was the result of a government that made no decision on who would rule Gaza and not the terror group.

"There is no doubt that the government's alternative to Hamas will create pressure on Hamas, but that is a question for political echelons," he said at the time.