Former Israeli Minister Accuses Israel of Ethnic Cleansing

Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon has accused the current Israeli leadership of engaging in ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza, particularly in the Jabalia area, through military operations that he claims are aimed at displacing the Arab population. He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for its policies, suggesting they lead towards annexation and settlement expansion, which he sees as illegal actions. Ya'alon's remarks come amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, which Israel asserts are intended to counter Hamas, but Palestinians argue are part of a broader strategy to occupy and displace them. He expressed concern that the actions taken by the Israeli army signify a deliberate attempt to 'cleanse' the area of Arabs, stating that regions like Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun have already been effectively erased. The Israeli government has categorically denied these accusations, asserting that their operations are lawful. Ya'alon's statements have sparked significant debate within Israel regarding the direction of its policies in the Palestinian territories.