Strategic Insights: Israel’s Careful Response to Hamas’s Terrorist Attack – The Observer Editorial

The horrendous events that occurred in southern Israel last weekend are beyond comprehension. The level of cruelty displayed by individuals is unimaginable. The terrorist attacks carried out by young Palestinians, directed by Hamas in Gaza, and supported by Iran, are unforgivable. There is no excuse for such barbarity and inhumanity, regardless of political beliefs or religious principles. The Jewish people in Israel and beyond are experiencing immense pain and suffering, and their grief resonates with us. We stand in solidarity with them.

These unprecedented acts of terrorism are set to bring about permanent changes in Israel and the Middle East. The initial horror and revulsion felt by Israelis have transformed into anger, leading to calls for the eradication of Hamas. Israel’s political and military leaders, caught off-guard, are now striving to regain the trust of the nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an emotive but somewhat unconvincing manner, speaks of creating a “new reality” in Gaza to ensure the safety of Israel’s people.

While the sentiment is understandable, it raises the question of how to defeat evil without resorting to even greater evil. It is crucial for Israelis to understand that the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians, which goes against international law, will not bring the security they desire. The forced evacuation of 1.1 million people and a ground invasion of Gaza will only lead to more suffering and will not result in peace. As US President Joe Biden states, democracies must hold themselves to a higher standard, or else they risk descending to the level of terrorists. The UN warns of an impending humanitarian catastrophe, which will bring about more destruction, suffering, radicalization, and violence.

Now is not the time for reckless retaliation. Instead, it is a time to pause, reflect, and devise a strategic plan. While it is crucial to weaken and disarm Hamas, it is essential to consider realistic approaches. Random acts of violence and untargeted attrition are not the solution. It is time to establish safe zones in southern Gaza and create humanitarian corridors for essential aid and potential refugee influx. Opening Gaza’s southern border and providing assistance to Egypt in managing the situation can also contribute to alleviating the crisis.

Above all, it is crucial to halt the killing of Palestinians who are being used as shields by Hamas gunmen. Palestinian health officials report that approximately 2,200 civilians have already lost their lives, with one-third of them being children. Many more are injured, and the healthcare system is overwhelmed. Food, water, and fuel supplies are deliberately disrupted, leading to further suffering. While some are fleeing, many refuse to leave their homes—an essential right that should be respected. Families in fear, their homes destroyed, have nowhere to seek refuge, resulting in 400,000 people being displaced. Their agony resonates with us, and we stand in solidarity with them.

A pause in the violence, even if temporary, or preferably a truce or ceasefire, is necessary to address the plight of the more than 120 hostages held by Hamas. It is also crucial to apply diplomatic pressure on Iran, Hamas’s political leaders in Doha, and Qatar to cease rocket attacks and explain their allowance of Hamas to operate freely. In due time, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, and his military commanders must face justice. Holding Iran accountable is long overdue. However, at present, preventing further loss of life should be the primary focus.

None of this undermines Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself militarily. However, exercising restraint and approaching the situation with a level-headed mindset are crucial. A massive ground operation would be highly dangerous for everyone involved. It must prioritize the safety of civilians, have limited scope and duration, and avoid prolonged urban warfare against well-fortified Hamas positions. Israel’s army has previously seen the disadvantages of such an approach, primarily due to its low chance of success. Dealing a significant blow to Hamas is attainable, but complete annihilation is not. Israel must proceed cautiously to prevail.

Even in this dire situation, we can be grateful that a broader escalation with Hezbollah on the Lebanese border has been mostly avoided thus far. Although the situation in the West Bank remains tense and violent, it has not yet escalated. However, this delicate balance could change suddenly. The US and Britain have deployed military assets to the Mediterranean to deter Iran and its proxies, a wise move. Arab leaders, despite their concerns about Gaza, have shown no interest in exacerbating the situation. Most of them despise Hamas, which is encouraging.

Nevertheless, the situation remains precarious. Growing incidents of anti-Semitism worldwide, including in Britain, contribute to a sense of global crisis. It would not be surprising if a discredited Netanyahu, whose poor judgments fueled this crisis, attempts to salvage his reputation with an ill-considered and disproportionate military response. Some believe this is already underway. In the long term, the prime minister and his far-right coalition allies must be held accountable for Israel’s most significant military and intelligence failure in 50 years.

Israel will endure, and Hamas will be defeated. However, it will take time and inevitably lead to more pain. The impact on Israeli society will be long-lasting. Renowned Israeli author David Grossman expresses concerns that his country will emerge from this existential trial “more right-wing, more militant, more racist.” Yet, there is always a choice. Perhaps the sheer shock and brutality of this abomination will ultimately convince the peaceful majority of Israelis and Palestinians to reject the purveyors of hatred and embrace a future where sovereignty and coexistence prevail under new leadership.

Such an outcome, though currently distant, would be the most fitting tribute to those who have lost their lives.

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