This is a historic day. The agreement that was signed is very good—far better than expected.
First, Hamas agreed to separate the hostage deal from the Gaza reconstruction plan. Had they insisted on linking reconstruction as a precondition for signing the agreement, as they had until now, it would not have happened.
Second, all the hostages are returning at once. This is important morally and ethically, but also strategically: Whatever happens next, Israel will now have greater freedom of action (even if fighting resumes below the threshold of full-scale war, this situation is preferable).
Third, the process of restoring Israel’s standing has begun; economically and internationally, we were on the edge of an abyss. And perhaps most importantly, a process of healing is beginning: healing the wounds left by the long war among those who bore the burden and in Israeli society as a whole.
However, it is important to remember that there are also downsides:
- We do not yet know what security guarantees were given and how they might restrict our freedom of action.
- Dangerous, murderous terrorists are being released.
- Turkey and Qatar have become regional powers and very close allies of the United States.
What matters going forward is implementing Phase B of the agreement—ensuring the disarmament of Hamas and its removal from power in Gaza. Without carrying out this stage, we will once again find ourselves facing a Hamas-controlled Gaza, and the problem will remain unresolved.
This is a historic day. The agreement that was signed is very good—far better than expected.
First, Hamas agreed to separate the hostage deal from the Gaza reconstruction plan. Had they insisted on linking reconstruction as a precondition for signing the agreement, as they had until now, it would not have happened.
Second, all the hostages are returning at once. This is important morally and ethically, but also strategically: Whatever happens next, Israel will now have greater freedom of action (even if fighting resumes below the threshold of full-scale war, this situation is preferable).
Third, the process of restoring Israel’s standing has begun; economically and internationally, we were on the edge of an abyss. And perhaps most importantly, a process of healing is beginning: healing the wounds left by the long war among those who bore the burden and in Israeli society as a whole.
However, it is important to remember that there are also downsides:
- We do not yet know what security guarantees were given and how they might restrict our freedom of action.
- Dangerous, murderous terrorists are being released.
- Turkey and Qatar have become regional powers and very close allies of the United States.
What matters going forward is implementing Phase B of the agreement—ensuring the disarmament of Hamas and its removal from power in Gaza. Without carrying out this stage, we will once again find ourselves facing a Hamas-controlled Gaza, and the problem will remain unresolved.