Israel will likely reject any proposal that leaves Hamas as the central player in the strip that lacks demilitarization or imposes restrictions on IDF activity. To change the deadlock, it is vital to increase pressure on Hamas and Qatar in all areas, and push them into a reality similar to the one that led to the previous deal.
The current Gaza war creates a historic opportunity to change the region and the fate of the refugees. Changing old concepts is not only about Israel’s security doctrine but also about the future of the region.
Israel and Hezbollah have overlapping interests in the short term and conflicting ones in the long term.
Israel wants American backing for the inevitable flare-up in the north – a campaign the administration has been determined to prevent. Israel may need an American veto in the Security Council against a future ruling by the International Court of Justice.
With an extremely high percentage of support for Hamas, as long as a strong, organized and armed core of the terrorist organization manages to remain in the Gaza Strip, it will continue to be the dominant power.
The International Court of Justice convenes this week to discuss the South African petition against Israel over "genocide." Any ruling, despite lacking a direct impact, could have a major snowball effect.
An effective buffer between Gaza and Egypt to prevent smuggling will serve not only Israel's security needs but will also contribute to Egypt's national security interest by denying the Muslim Brotherhood-linked movement access to Sinai. Israel must ensure Hamas is no longer viewed by the public as the main player in strip.
Oct. 7 taught us that this conflict is existential, and that exacting a price from our enemy is not just about killing terrorists • Those in Gaza who want to emigrate and leave behind the culture of death should get help in doing so • And – a visit to a south yearning for its residents to come back.
Hamas' number two took the threats from Israel seriously but did not want to spend the rest of his life in a bunker. It did not suit his personality or self-esteem.
While the goals – eliminating Hamas and its military and civilian infrastructure, alongside releasing the captives – enjoy consensus, the day-after scenarios stir debate and controversy, weaken the fighters and may delay the achievement of the goals of the war itself.
