Israel will never be the same country it was before the Oct. surprise attack by the Hamas terrorist organization in which 1,400 Israelis were killed. The mind struggles to comprehend how within a few hours, the same amount of lives were lost as during the three years of the Intifada, or the first few weeks of the Yom Kippur War.
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When the war is over, we will ask the difficult question of how Hamas infiltrated Israel. But right now, the most important thing is to define how to defeat the enemy and clarify the goals of this war.
Because senior officials are calling to wipe out Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in its entirety, while the War Cabinet seems to be content with merely destroying its military capabilities that would deter it for years from threatening Israel and harming its citizens.
Hamas' killing spree led to the collapse of the concept that Israel stuck to over the past two decades, according to which the terror organization should be viewed as a partner in maintaining peace and stability along the borders. The assumption is that Hamas wants to solidify its rule in Gaza, and as such, would work with Israel in exchange for economic benefits and concessions.
Another concept that has been shattered is that Israel is omnipotent in terms of intelligence and military capabilities and has the power to deter Hamas. After all, what sane organization would put its very existence at risk and take on the most powerful country in the Middle East?
In the past, many said Israel should not return to the Gaza Strip, a move that would carry heavy consequences for our security, soldiers, and expenses. However, after the massacre perpetrated by Hamas, it is clear to everyone that this is a preferred alternative, one that will cost less in human lives and money.
The conclusion is real: Israel must start thinking outside the box. It must not come up with maneuvers – political and military – to leave Hamas with hope of recovery. Hamas' rule must be overthrown, which will be achieved by removing Hamas from power in Gaza completely.
Otherwise, the next round of fighting, as murderous as the current one, is just a matter of time.
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