Israeli Newspaper Haaretz Exposes Systematic Destruction in Gaza as a “Goal in Itself”
Israeli newspaper Haaretz has revealed that the destruction of homes and buildings in the Gaza Strip is not merely a "byproduct of military necessity" but a deliberate goal in itself, as evidenced by the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) payment model for contractors.
Kokcha News Agency: As Israel’s attacks, occupation, and blockade of the Gaza Strip continue, an editorial in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz has scrutinized the systematic destruction carried out by the Israeli military in Gaza. The article, published in both English and Hebrew, highlights how the IDF’s payment model for contractors exposes the true intent behind the widespread demolition of buildings in Gaza.
According to Haaretz, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu negotiates a ceasefire with Hamas, hundreds of Israeli bulldozers, excavators, and armored Caterpillar D9 bulldozers are contributing to the effort to render Gaza uninhabitable for years to come.
“A Clear Incentive”
The IDF’s official stance on the demolition of homes in Gaza is that it is carried out due to “operational needs.” In other words, the military claims that it only destroys homes and buildings when they “pose a threat to soldiers” or “impede the movement of military vehicles.” However, the payment model for contractors contradicts this claim.
The IDF pays operators 2,500 shekels (approximately $750) for demolishing a building of up to three stories, and double that amount for taller buildings. This pricing structure creates a “clear incentive” for contractors to demolish as many buildings as quickly as possible.
Haaretz argued, “If these operations were solely driven by military necessity, there would be little justification for such payments.” The fact that these payments are made daily or monthly further strengthens this assessment. Additionally, operators earn significantly more working in Gaza than they would for similar work inside Israel, with some reportedly earning up to 30,000 shekels per month.
“Destruction is Not a Side Effect, But a Goal in Itself”
The editorial also noted that the systematic destruction reflects an “ideological commitment” among many machine operators. Whether they are civilian employees of the IDF or reserve soldiers, interviews with operators working in Gaza reveal that many carry out their tasks with a sense of revenge.
The result, according to Haaretz, is that while Netanyahu negotiates a ceasefire, Gaza is being rendered uninhabitable for years to come. The newspaper stated, “Destruction is not a byproduct of military necessity but a goal in itself.”
Haaretz called on Israel to immediately halt these actions, emphasizing the devastating humanitarian impact on Gaza’s civilian population.
