Israel's taking out of key Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists on Tuesday is designed to bolster Israeli deterrence, which has recently eroded. It is also aimed at sending a clear message to Israel's enemies that despite the domestic strife, Israel acts in unity and resolve when it comes to defending itself.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
While the Israeli operation is directed against the PIJ, with the hope that Hamas stays this one out, it's hard to see the Gaza rulers sitting idly by in light of the damage and the casualties.
It is safe to say that in the hours following the Israeli strike, the two organizations held high-level talks in order to coordinate the response, perhaps scheduled for right after the mass funerals and once the senior leaders go into hiding.
As far as Israel is concerned, the main objectives were met in the initial hours of the operation. Now it must shift its focus to two additional goals: The first – to make sure the terrorists' response from Gaza won't offset the gains Israel made; and the second – to use the flare-up to further strike the terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip.
How should Israel act?
- Maximizing our defense so that the death count is minimal: This is important for two reasons. The first – to deny the enemy success and make sure that when the operation is over the enemy remains beaten down and void of accomplishments.
- Focusing on PIJ and preparing for Hamas entering the fighting. Hamas should think twice before it joins the fray, but if Israel picks up signals that it is about to do so, it must take a proactive stance by targeting its leaders and its buildings.
- Severely undermining the capabilities of the adversaries and their commanders. To ensure a quick end to the fighting, Israel must use its full force right at the start. Incrementalism will only lead to this operation dragging on more than necessary.
- Halting the delivery of goods and other shipments to the Gaza Strip from Israel and Egypt (except essential humanitarian supplies) to pressure Hamas and the PIJ.
- Focusing our fire on the southern front even as we keep a watchful and threatening eye on the north. It is safe to assume that Hamas will try to send Israel a response from the north to have it fight on two fronts and get it bogged down in a clash with Hezbollah.
- Staying alert and acting quickly when violent nationalist incidents take place within Israel. Israel must not allow a "domestic front" to emerge against the backdrop of this conflagration or due to the incitement surrounding Nakba Day (the "Catastrophe Day" marked by Arabs on the Gregorian date of Israel's founding May 15), or Jerusalem Day next week.
Meir Ben Shabbat is head of the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy, in Jerusalem. He served as Israel's national security advisor and head of the National Security Council between 2017 and 2021, and prior to that for 30 years in the General Security Services (Shabak).
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
