While Hamas exploits Israeli vulnerabilities, the leadership is wasting time and reinforcing the perception that the campaign is being dragged out for political reasons. It is also time for a serious crackdown on Hamas’ political bureau abroad.
Many in Israel see the move as nothing short of betrayal, effectively giving green light to spill Jewish blood. Israel must tell Europe that recognition of a Palestinian State will lead to unilateral sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.
Accusations of genocide not only misrepresent the legal definition but also ignore the reality of how Israel wages this war. A state plotting genocide does not stop military operations for hostage exchanges, allow in hundreds of aid trucks, tolerate open dissent among its top leaders, or permit its own policies to be publicly challenged in real time.
Military leadership explicitly recommended removing hostage recovery from the war's primary objectives, understanding that comprehensive Gaza operations would extend for months while potentially endangering the lives of remaining captives who have already endured nearly two years in captivity.
Three options remain before Israel’s political leadership regarding the Gaza Strip, and none guarantees the achievement of all the war’s stated objectives
Israel's cabinet decision to occupy Gaza City may prove to be an Archimedean point. No nation has ever successfully accomplished the stated objectives, particularly following two years of military attrition, public division, and unprecedented global legitimacy deterioration.
Despite the historic crisis it faces and ongoing internal efforts to disarm it, most of Hezbollah’s supporters remain loyal. For many, the terrorist organization is not only an ideological and religious home, but also the “welfare state” they depend on. The solution lies in massive economic and political investment in a long-term strategy, aimed at eroding its base of supporters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statement that Israel does not intend to annex the Gaza Strip was aimed squarely at the Trump administration, which is firmly opposed to such a move. The message also targets countries expected to play a role in shaping Gaza's future.
Hamas draws encouragement from the success of the "hunger in Gaza" campaign and the responses it generated worldwide and in Israel. They are also pleased with the connection made between the Palestinian statehood recognition initiative and the war in the Strip.
Just a decade and a half ago, police would remove Jews from the Mount who whispered prayers quietly, and today they pray there aloud, in a minyan, with singing and prostration.