Hamas’s Surprise Attack on Israel: A Devastating Blow to Both Sides
Hamas’s recent large-scale attack on Israel has resulted in the tragic loss of 250 lives, predominantly innocent civilians, and over 1,000 injured. Additionally, there are an unknown number of hostages being held. Israel has responded with airstrikes on Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, and is engaged in ground combat to remove hundreds of Hamas fighters from Israeli territory. Current reports indicate a death toll of over 230 and approximately 1,700 injured in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is “at war.” These events mark the beginning stages of what could potentially be a destabilizing conflict for the Middle East and beyond.
President Biden has rightfully condemned Hamas’s terrorist attack, which included indiscriminate rocket attacks on civilian areas in major cities and the capture of military outposts and small towns. President Biden has expressed unwavering support for Israel, stating, “The United States stands with the state of Israel…full stop” during his Saturday remarks. He also emphasized that terrorist attacks can never be justified, alluding to the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people that Hamas is exploiting.
The recent attack by Hamas, though terrifying, has shed light on the threats faced by Israel and the need for effective deterrence. It is evident that this particular enemy had not been as deterred as initially believed by the Israeli security establishment. They had been patiently preparing and arming themselves for an operation that required extensive planning and likely external assistance, potentially from Iran, who praised the attacks. This incident serves as a stark reminder of Iran and its proxies’ audacity and the lengths they will go to hinder negotiations between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, which could lead to mutual recognition between the latter two and increased US support for Riyadh, including civilian nuclear capabilities. Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Iran’s ally, Hezbollah, issued a statement that appeared to threaten not only Saudi Arabia but also other Arab governments that maintain relations with Israel. He warned that Hamas’s attack sends a message to the Arab and Islamic world, as well as the international community, that the Palestinian cause is enduring and will continue until victory and liberation. Another Hamas leader suggested that regional parties could become involved in the conflict.
Israel’s internal divisions, fueled by extreme right-wing parties in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s governing coalition and his controversial plans to reshape the nation’s judiciary, have provided an opportunity for the country’s adversaries. However, early signs indicate that Israel’s political leaders are setting aside their differences to unite in response to this emergency. It is our hope that this crisis will mark the beginning of a new coalition that can marginalize the extremists pushing for judicial reforms.
However, the consequences of this new conflict leave several uncertainties. The future composition of Israel’s government is one such question, as the outcome of this war could influence its shape. Other concerns include the potential impact on Saudi-Israeli diplomacy, the potential spread of the conflict beyond Israel and Gaza, the global economic ramifications should oil prices surge, and whether there is any possibility of a compromised solution emerging from this unprecedented assault. Unfortunately, answers to these pressing questions will only become clear as the battle unfolds.
Opinions expressed in editorials represent the collective views of The Post’s Editorial Board. The Editorial Board, located in the Opinions section, operates independently of the newsroom and consists of Opinion Editor David Shipley, Deputy Opinion Editors Charles Lane and Stephen Stromberg, as well as writers Mary Duenwald, Shadi Hamid, David E. Hoffman, James Hohmann, Heather Long, Mili Mitra, Keith B. Richburg, and Molly Roberts.
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