Tel aviv: A former Israeli commander appealed on Monday to US President Donald Trump to intervene and force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war in the Gaza Strip.

According to Anadolu Agency, Yitzhak Brik, a retired major general, expressed his concerns in an opinion piece published in the Haaretz newspaper. Brik implored Trump to take action, hoping that the US President would realize the necessity of compelling Netanyahu to conclude the conflict, release hostages, rebuild the country, and avert its collapse.

Brik dismissed the notion of a permanent Israeli military rule in Gaza, citing the exhaustion and limited size of the army's ground forces. He pointed out that even in areas like Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, the forces have not fully established control, maintaining only minimal presence.

The former commander cautioned that any attempts to annex parts of Gaza would further isolate Israel on the global stage and potentially lead to increased economic and diplomatic boycotts. He described such actions as "political suicide," highlighting the growing international demand for the recognition of a Palestinian state in response to Israel's operations in Gaza.

Brik further criticized the current Israeli government, describing it as being led by a "small, extremist, messianic group" under Netanyahu, which he believes has significantly damaged the state's international standing. He warned that this government would be remembered with "eternal disgrace" in Israel's history.

Despite international pleas for a ceasefire, the Israeli military has continued its offensive in Gaza that began on October 7, 2023. This campaign has resulted in the deaths of nearly 61,000 Palestinians, with nearly half being women and children, while leaving the enclave devastated and on the brink of famine.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the region.