In a recent broadcast, Major General Ahalong Hariba, a former Israeli military intelligence director, made controversial remarks about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Hariba suggested that for every Israeli casualty, 50 Palestinians should die, emphasizing that this was not about revenge but about sending a message to future generations regarding the consequences of conflict. His comments, aired on Israeli Channel 12, have drawn significant backlash and are seen as highlighting a deliberate policy of targeting Palestinian lives, described by human rights group B’tselem as genocidal intent.
This is the first time a high-ranking Israeli official has openly stated that a high death toll among Palestinians is “necessary.” Over the past 22 months, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Hariba’s statement follows a significant failure in Israeli intelligence assessments, which underestimated the threat posed by Hamas and misjudged the security situation, leading to the attack on Israeli territories. His remarks have intensified discussions about genocide and human rights violations, with implications presented to the International Court of Justice.
In summary, Hariba’s comments reflect a troubling stance within the Israeli military hierarchy, revealing a mindset that views Palestinian suffering as a strategic necessity.
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