Tamil Diplomat

Israel’s Netanyahu criticised over 2014 Gaza war preparations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence officials have been criticised by an inquiry into their conduct during the 2014 Gaza war. A report by Israel’s state comptroller accused them of failing to prepare for the threat of cross-border tunnels dug by Palestinian militants led by Hamas.

During fighting, these were used to launch attacks on Israeli soldiers. Mr Netanyahu insists his security cabinet was aware of the threat and that all scenarios were discussed. The Israeli military launched Operation Protective Edge in July 2014 with the stated aim of stopping rocket attacks by Hamas and destroying the group’s capabilities to conduct operations against Israel.

After an initial phase focused on air strikes, the Israeli military launched a ground offensive that sought to degrade militants’ infrastructure in Gaza and destroy their network of tunnels(BBC,2017)