Israel's Strategy in Gaza: A Complex Scenario
National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi has revealed that Israel's 'day after' plan for northern Gaza will soon be implemented. This plan has been refined over recent weeks and aims to establish a government based on locals willing to live alongside Israel, supported by moderate Arab states. Hanegbi emphasized that eliminating Hamas as an idea is a long process, and an alternative governance model is necessary.
Recent Israeli military actions have resulted in significant casualties, including a raid in the al-Shati refugee camp that killed 13 people, 10 of whom were relatives of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Other raids targeted schools used as shelters, resulting in further deaths. The Israeli military stated that these structures were used by Hamas terrorists as shields for their activities. Measures were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, but the use of civilian structures by Hamas continues to violate international law.
Criticism and Alternatives
Prominent Israeli writer Gideon Levy has criticized the notion that Israel has achieved a victory over Hamas. He argues that the announcement of eliminating Hamas' military wing is a strategy to withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza and shift focus to the northern border for a potential campaign in Lebanon. Levy suggests that Israel's involvement in Gaza has led to more complications and has not achieved any meaningful victory.
Levy proposes three options for Gaza's future: continued Hamas rule with careful monitoring, Gaza becoming like Somalia, or permanent Israeli occupation. He advocates for the first option, describing it as the lesser of evils. Levy concludes that an agreement with Hamas to end the war and release hostages and Palestinian prisoners is the most viable solution, urging Israel to abandon its pride and accept this outcome.
- The recent Israeli military actions in Gaza have led to significant casualties, including the deaths of relatives of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. These actions have drawn criticism from various quarters, including prominent Israeli writer Gideon Levy.
- Levy's critique highlights the complexities and challenges of Israel's strategy in Gaza. He argues that the military actions have not led to a decisive victory and have instead resulted in further entanglement in the conflict. Levy's proposal for an agreement with Hamas underscores the need for a pragmatic approach to end the hostilities and achieve a sustainable resolution.
