The results of the operation to eliminate Mohammed Deif are still unclear, but if the goal was indeed achieved (something that, according to media reports, is “highly probable”), it is a worthy and important operation that to some extent is comparable to the operations to eliminate Qassem Soleimani and Imad Mornia. All three were experienced, senior officials, very significant centers of knowledge and highly important symbols in their organization and outside of it.
The elimination of Deif becomes even more significant given the current reality of severe damage to Hamas’ military wing and its transition to terrorism and guerrilla warfare. However, it is important to remember that organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah are more than the sum of their components or commanders. Israel has previously eliminated the leaders of these organizations and other very senior military figures, and yet the organizations continued to grow, develop and become more significant security threats to Israel, while establishing their status as political players in the Palestinian and Lebanese arenas.
I believe that the elimination (if indeed successful) will definitely have an effect on Sinwar, who lost a partner and a close friend (the two are childhood friends who grew up in the Khan Yunis refugee camp, joined Hamas together and were among the founders of the military wing). On the other hand, it is far from obvious that this will lead Sinwar to significantly moderate his position due to a fear of being similarly targeted. It is important to remember—Sinwar is not afraid of death. He sees himself and the struggle through religious, historical and messianic lenses. As long as he stands on his own two feet and leads the organization in the Gaza Strip, he will remain the mover and shaker and the most influential factor when it comes to the hostage release deal.
The results of the operation to eliminate Mohammed Deif are still unclear, but if the goal was indeed achieved (something that, according to media reports, is “highly probable”), it is a worthy and important operation that to some extent is comparable to the operations to eliminate Qassem Soleimani and Imad Mornia. All three were experienced, senior officials, very significant centers of knowledge and highly important symbols in their organization and outside of it.
The elimination of Deif becomes even more significant given the current reality of severe damage to Hamas’ military wing and its transition to terrorism and guerrilla warfare. However, it is important to remember that organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah are more than the sum of their components or commanders. Israel has previously eliminated the leaders of these organizations and other very senior military figures, and yet the organizations continued to grow, develop and become more significant security threats to Israel, while establishing their status as political players in the Palestinian and Lebanese arenas.
I believe that the elimination (if indeed successful) will definitely have an effect on Sinwar, who lost a partner and a close friend (the two are childhood friends who grew up in the Khan Yunis refugee camp, joined Hamas together and were among the founders of the military wing). On the other hand, it is far from obvious that this will lead Sinwar to significantly moderate his position due to a fear of being similarly targeted. It is important to remember—Sinwar is not afraid of death. He sees himself and the struggle through religious, historical and messianic lenses. As long as he stands on his own two feet and leads the organization in the Gaza Strip, he will remain the mover and shaker and the most influential factor when it comes to the hostage release deal.