The Diplomatic-Security Cabinet conducted a series of dramatic meetings in early May to determine Israel's next moves in a war that has continued for more than a year and a half. These discussions produced a definitive outcome – Hamas would receive ten days to reach an agreement by the conclusion of President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf states.
Without a deal, military action would follow. As an authorized security source stated, "The positioning of forces prior to the start of the maneuver will provide a window of opportunity until the end of the US president's visit to the region to execute a hostage deal based on the 'Witkoff model'... If a hostage deal is not implemented, Operation Gideon's Chariots will commence with significant force and will not cease until all objectives are achieved."
However, Trump left the Middle East on Thursday afternoon, and Israel has still not begun Operation Gideon's Chariots with the promised intensity (Israel announced the start of the operation only on Sunday although it is unclear to what extent). Why is the government failing to uphold its own decisions and self-imposed red lines? Simply because Hamas is playing for time, and we, the State of Israel, are being pulled along.
On Friday afternoon, diplomatic sources indicated Netanyahu was considering withdrawing the Israeli negotiating delegation from Doha due to lack of progress in discussions. Another 48 hours have passed, and our representatives remain in country that houses Hamas, because Israel cannot decisively say "no more." This inability to establish and maintain a red line actually makes an agreement less likely. Hamas can evaluate when the IDF is preparing to increase combat intensity. Moments before escalation, Hamas crafts a flexible position allowing them to extend talks just a little longer. Then a bit more. Then just a tiny bit further.
Thus days, weeks, and months slip away while powerful Israel fails to defeat its most vicious enemy. There is no agreement returning all hostages, no military victory removing Hamas from Gaza, and no assurance Gaza will cease threatening Israel. In essence, after more than eighteen months, none of the war's goals have been achieved. Instead, the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet gathered for... yet another meeting.
This continuous delay cannot go on. The dilemmas are undoubtedly complex, even terrible and horrific. But prolonging decisions also carries costs that may prove far higher in the future.
First because Trump has already "moved on" from us. The most supportive president Israel has ever had has exhausted his patience. Operating at an intense pace, he cannot accommodate Israel's decision-making timeline – or more accurately, its decision-avoidance. Once, Israel was the beacon lighting his path. But recently, we find ourselves pursuing him. Without our input, he is reconfiguring the Middle East. While Israel receives updates on developments, its influence over their substance has diminished. This applies to situations in Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.
Domestically too, resilience has been stretched beyond limits. Although reserve forces maintain high motivation, such commitment from a citizen army cannot continue indefinitely, and fractures are becoming evident.
Keeping a nation in this suspended state serves no positive purpose. In terms of national security and future stability, we cannot repeat the same pattern of postponement witnessed in the years preceding October 7. A decisive choice is essential – in one direction or another. Final and conclusive. But one that, after more than eighteen months, brings this war to an end.
