Rifts appear between Israel's political, military leadership over Gaza war

The Israeli army's chief spokesman on Wednesday appeared to question the stated goal of destroying the Hamas militant group in Gaza in a rare public rift between the country's political and military leadership.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted Israel will pursue the fight against Hamas, the group running the besieged Gaza Strip, until its military and governing capabilities in the Palestinian territory are eliminated. But with the war now in its ninth month, frustration has been mounting with no clear end or postwar plan in sight.

"This business of destroying Hamas, making Hamas disappear it's simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public," Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the military spokesperson, told Israel's Channel 13 TV. "Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a party. It's rooted in the hearts of the people whoever thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong."

Netanyahu's office responded by saying that the country's security Cabinet, chaired by the prime minister, "has defined the