The diplomatic efforts underway between Israel and Gaza and Lebanon "are largely ineffective... half-baked in terms of what we will actually achieve," Brig.-Gen. (res.) Oren Avman told 103FM on Friday.
Avman, who is a former commander of the Kfir Brigade, made these comments when weighing in on a recent report that said Prime Minister Netanyahu permitted former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to maintain direct contact with Hamas officials during the war.
He added, "I don’t know if we’re being played or if a false reality is being manufactured - on top of the state’s overall conduct, which already draws plenty of valid criticism - but in this false narrative, we're pretending to run a process that will ultimately disarm Hamas."
Avman noted further: "Over the last generation, state entities have virtually ceased to exist in our strategic reality. We have to recognize that - it's been the case for over 25 years."
Despite his criticism, Avman emphasized that he does not reject diplomacy itself. "Diplomatic efforts and dialogue are always vital and must continue regardless. The real question is where they ultimately lead and whether we are being forced to compromise on essentials," he said.
