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Source: https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/09/11/former-nato-officers-israel-nearing-war-objectives/
Former NATO Officers: Israel Nearing War Objectives
(Israel Hayom) Ariel Kahana - Former NATO officers who toured Israel in September commended the Israel Defense Forces' operations and believe Israel is nearing its war objectives. After visiting the Rafah area and the Philadelphi Corridor, they emphatically recommend that Israel maintain its presence in the region. A scheduled visit to the northern city of Kiryat Shmona was called off due to Hizbullah's intense attacks. Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Marius Dumitru Craciun, former head of Romanian special forces, said, "Critics fail to grasp the nature of this combat environment. This isn't 20th-century warfare - it's 21st-century, fundamentally different. The IDF is employing unprecedented tactics....You can't conclude this until you've cleared everything above and below ground. Hamas had a decade to prepare for this." Col. (ret.) Richard Kemp, who commanded British forces in Afghanistan, said, "From a professional perspective, the Philadelphi Corridor should not be relinquished. The IDF must maintain control over this border, which essentially serves as Hamas's lifeline. I wouldn't surrender the strategic advantage, particularly in an area where soldiers have already made the ultimate sacrifice." Q: How can we secure the return of our people? Kemp: "The strategy involves continuing to dismantle Hamas, clearing tunnels, and persisting in efforts to recover the hostages. The international community, particularly the U.S., should redirect their pressure from Israel making security-compromising concessions to exerting influence on Hamas and Qatari leadership. They possess leverage over Hamas that remains unutilized." Q: How would you rate the IDF's performance from a professional perspective? Kemp: "It's been exceptional. They've neutralized numerous terrorists and dismantled extensive infrastructure at a remarkably low cost. Hamas's defeat appears imminent."