Former Israeli PM Urges Swift Defeat of Hamas Amid Growing Global Criticism

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak warns that Israel has only weeks left to defeat Hamas as global opinion, particularly in the United States, turns against Israel's attacks on Gaza. Barak suggests that a multinational Arab force may need to take control of Gaza after the military campaign to facilitate the return of the Palestinian Authority. However, he believes that the prospects for diplomacy and the creation of a Palestinian state are remote. Barak notes that Western support for Israel is weakening due to civilian casualties in Gaza and fears of a broader regional war. He predicts that friction with the United States will emerge within the next few weeks and urges Israel to consider American demands.