Former Israeli Defense Minister and ex-IDF Chief of Staff Moshe "Bogie" Yaalon has sparked significant controversy with his criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza.

These public statements, explicitly citing "ethnic cleansing" coming from a personality committed to the defense of the State of Israel, are a first in Israel. This provokes a wave of denialism in the media and the political class in the context of the prosecutions by the International Criminal Court against B. Netanyahu and Y. Gallant and the judgments of the International Court of Justice recognizing the existence of a genocide in progress from January 2024.

Key points of his criticism of IDF operations :

• Yaalon accused the Israeli government and military of pursuing policies resembling "occupation, annexation, and ethnic cleansing" in Gaza.
• He specifically mentioned actions in areas like Beit Lahia, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia, stating that military operations are "essentially cleansing the area of Arabs."
• Yaalon emphasized the need for a two-state solution, advocating for a "Jewish, democratic, liberal state" and separation from the Palestinians.
• He highlighted polling data suggesting that around 70% of Israelis support such a vision.
• Yaalon criticized members of Netanyahu’s far-right government, accusing them of promoting annexation and reconstruction of settlements in Gaza.
• He expressed concern over the long-term consequences, warning: "The path we are being dragged down leads to nothing less than destruction."
• Yaalon criticized the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), stating it is no longer the "most moral army in the world" due to political interference that he believes has corrupted its operations.

Israeli responses to His Comments:

Gideon Sa’ar, a Likud member, called Yaalon’s remarks "irresponsible" and urged him to retract them, claiming they baselessly defame Israel. A spokesperson for the IDF dismissed allegations of ethnic cleansing, asserting that the military operates under international law and evacuates civilians temporarily for their safety.

Gideon Sa’ar: "The comments of former Minister Yaalon are incorrect and irresponsible, maligning Israel without basis." IDF spokesperson: "The IDF acts in accordance with international law and rejects the serious allegations of ethnic cleansing."

Key Quotes:

"The path we are being dragged down is one of occupation, annexation, and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip."

"There is no Beit Lahia, no Beit Hanoun; [the military] is operating in Jabalia and essentially cleansing the area of Arabs."

"Seventy percent of Israelis favor a Jewish, democratic, liberal state that also envisions separation."

"I no longer say [the IDF is] the most moral army in the world because of the interference of politicians, which corrupts the military."

"It is not the most moral army today, and it is difficult for me to say that."

International echo :

These interventions by Moshe Yallon had a wide echo in the international press given that they "authorize" external criticism of Israeli policy which has so far been very unanimous in his speech.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/annexing-ethnic-cleansing-ex-netanyahu-defense-minister-urges-israel-to-change-course-in-gaza-with-scathing-criticism/ar-AA1v8y49