Former Israeli army official: 'Government is dragging us into an unnecessary war'

Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan has condemned recent government plans to occupy Gaza, accusing Israeli authorities of abandoning captives and soldiers. 

Golan, who once commanded the Nahal Brigade in 2002, said that "there is no justification for the move to occupy the Strip" as Israel is set to decide on the matter later on Thursday. 

"The government and the cabinet want to decide tonight on the elimination of the hostages. Let's call it what it is - they want to execute them."

Golan called on the Israeli public to oppose the pending decision and take action: "I call on all my sisters and brothers - take to the streets, shut down the economy... We don't need to wait for the Attorney General and the Supreme Court - this government is against the rule of law anyway."

"What needs to be done now is simple: the Israeli government is dragging us into an unnecessary war that will complicate Israel in every possible aspect - security, moral, international and economic. We must resolutely oppose it."