[News] Israel Faces Unprecedented Losses amid Ongoing War on Gaza

[Anti-Imperialist News]

palestinechronicle.com
<https://www.palestinechronicle.com/israel-faces-unprecedented-losses-amid-ongoing-war-on-gaza-lebanon-report/>
Israel Faces Unprecedented Losses amid Ongoing War on Gaza, Lebanon - Report
December 30, 2024
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Israeli soldiers were caught in an ambush in Gaza. (Photo: video grab)

*By Palestine Chronicle Staff
<https://www.palestinechronicle.com/writers/palestine-chronicle-staff>*

Israel suffers immense human, military, and financial losses as the ongoing
war against Gaza and Lebanon continues to reshape its future, with a
massive emigration wave and strained military capabilities.

As the war against Gaza and Lebanon stretches into its 15th month, Israel
faces a crisis not only on the battlefront but within its own borders,
Muhammad Dawood Al-Ali and Muhammad Watad wrote in the Al-Jazeera Arabic
website.

In their report, the authors cited Israel’s Housing and Immigration
Authority’s figures, stating that 600,000 Israelis have left the country
since the war began in October 2023, marking the largest emigration wave
since the establishment of Israel in 1948.

The reasons for this mass departure, they argue, are multifaceted. The
ongoing military conflict, economic instability, and mounting security
concerns have driven many, particularly those in professional and academic
sectors, to relocate abroad. Countries like Canada and several Eastern
European nations have become key destinations, with Canada reporting a 500%
increase in temporary work visas granted to Israelis compared to the
previous year.

Researchers and scientists, in particular, have been among the largest
groups seeking refuge abroad, as many feel that Israel’s volatile security
situation and economic uncertainty make it impossible to fulfill their
professional ambitions.

This mass exodus is not only a personal loss for those leaving but also
represents a deeper crisis for Israel’s demographic goals. Helmy Moussa, an
expert on Israeli affairs, noted in the report that this reverse migration
undermines one of the foundational ideals of Zionism — the “ingathering of
the exiles.” The Jewish state’s aspiration to be a global haven for Jews is
being severely challenged by this outflow of its own citizens.
*Human and Military Losses Mount*

The human toll of the ongoing conflict remains staggering. As the war rages
on, Israel has suffered significant casualties. On October 7, 2023, the
Palestinian Resistance launched a surprise attack that killed over 1,160
Israelis — both military personnel and civilians — and left more than 1,900
injured. Many of the wounded remain in critical condition, and the
capturing of 251 individuals, including soldiers, officers, and foreign
nationals, added to the national trauma.

The ongoing toll on Israeli military forces has also been profound.
According to official figures from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, more
than 800 Israeli soldiers and officers have died in the fighting, including
384 killed during ground operations in Gaza. The northern front with
Lebanon has also claimed the lives of 131 Israelis, with the overall number
of Israeli soldiers wounded exceeding 5,400. (*These are official figures
that have been repeatedly challenged by Palestinian and independent sources
– PC*)

As the war continues, Israel’s military is facing significant operational
challenges. The Israeli Air Force, in particular, is operating under
intense pressure. Fighter jets, including older models like the F-15, have
accumulated thousands of flight hours, exceeding their expected lifespan.
This has led to concerns about the readiness of Israel’s air capabilities.
A report from the Israeli newspaper Maariv highlighted that Israel’s
acceptance of a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah on November 27, 2024,
was partly driven by the need to replenish its stockpiles of military
equipment and address the severe strain on its air force.

Military analysts, including Maariv’s Avi Ashkenazi, suggest that Israel
will now need to undertake massive acquisitions of new fighter jets, tanks,
and other military hardware, particularly from the United States and
Germany. The toll on Israel’s defense infrastructure will likely have
long-term ramifications for its military preparedness.
*Financial and Economic Costs Soar*

The war has also placed a heavy strain on Israel’s economy. According to
the Israeli Ministry of Finance, the cost of the war so far has reached
106.2 billion shekels (approximately $29.1 billion), with total expenses
expected to rise to 250 billion shekels ($70 billion) by 2025. These costs
include military spending, weapons procurement, and the rebuilding efforts
that will follow the conflict’s eventual resolution, Al-Jazeera reported.

In addition to the direct financial burdens, Israel’s broader economy has
been affected by disruptions to key sectors. The tourism industry has been
hit particularly hard, with losses from inbound tourism amounting to
approximately 18.7 billion shekels ($5.2 billion). Domestic tourism has
also taken a significant hit, contributing an additional $210 million in
losses. The war has further disrupted trade, with attacks on the port of
Eilat and other infrastructure causing logistical challenges.

Moreover, Israel has experienced substantial collateral damage from the
ongoing fighting. Approximately 55,000 acres of forests and open land have
been destroyed in the northern regions and the Golan Heights. These losses,
while not directly linked to military operations, contribute to the broader
economic toll and demonstrate the war’s pervasive impact on the country.
*Strategic Setbacks: The Impact on Israel’s Long-Term Goals*

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been keen to emphasize
Israel’s strategic gains in the region, experts have pointed out that these
military victories may come at the cost of long-term national interests.
For example, the outflow of talent—particularly from Israel’s scientific
and technological communities—poses a serious challenge to the country’s
future economic prospects.

As researcher Mohammed Al-Bahnasi noted, many young professionals and
researchers are leaving Israel due to the economic uncertainty brought on
by the war. These individuals, who are often in the prime of their careers,
are seeking better opportunities in countries that can offer them economic
stability and professional fulfillment. This reverse migration of Israel’s
intellectual capital is a serious concern for the country’s economic
future, especially in the fields of technology, science, and innovation.
*A Changing Israel*

The toll of Israel’s war on Gaza and Lebanon has been multifaceted—human,
military, financial, and social. As the war stretches on, the country’s
future is increasingly uncertain. The emigration of a significant portion
of Israel’s population, the depletion of its military resources, and the
severe economic damage all point to a nation grappling with a profound
crisis.

The data and expert assessments cited in this article, as reported by
Al-Ali and Watad suggest that Israel is facing a profound reckoning. While
Netanyahu may continue to focus on the military and strategic gains, the
true cost of the war—measured in lives lost, resources exhausted, and
citizens displaced—may be the most lasting legacy of this conflict.

*(Translated and prepared by Palestine Chronicle Staff) *
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