There are at least two conflicting points of view on the latest campaign in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The picture that was painted clearly in the Israeli media highlights the just nature of Operation Protective Edge, Israel’s victory, and Israel’s goal to translate the military achievements into political achievements. In contrast, Hamas – at least at this stage – views what it achieved in the campaign in context of its poor situation prior to the campaign that in effect prompted it to initiate this round...
Even in changing regional circumstances, Hamas has consistently demonstrated resolute persistence in its struggle against Israel. The economics of the Gaza Strip has been a critical element in the events of the past month, and therefore, it is likewise a crucial piece of any lasting resolution. A fundamental change in the economic situation means a real improvement, not just the siege lifted and some border crossings opened. New international mechanisms, not under Hamas or Israel auspices, must be established to implement the change....
The two major options facing the Israeli government for ending the campaign in Gaza are an arrangement involving the international system and a unilateral announcement that the operation is over, followed by the withdrawal of troops. While each alternative has its respective advantages and drawbacks, overall it seems that a multilateral rather than unilateral arrangement is preferable. An agreement within an international system would force Israel to confront some of Hamas’ demands. One of the difficulties Israel will have to...
Hamas’ flagrant violation of the ceasefire on August 1, 2014 enabled Israel to change its strategic position and choose an alternative that, at least in the short term, places Hamas in a difficult strategic situation. Israel regained international legitimacy for its actions; Hamas was again cast as a terrorist organization lacking all credibility that for the sixth time violated a ceasefire that Egypt and the international community initiated and Israel accepted. Changing strategic course, Israel decided to deny Hamas veto power...
In the course of Operation Protective Edge, Hamas used several media to disseminate propaganda, including al-Aqsa and al-Jazeera television, websites, Facebook pages, and text messages. These have served as a platform for messages to four target audiences: an internal Palestinian audience, an Arab audience, an international audience, and an Israeli audience. Indeed, the struggle for public opinion plays an important role in efforts by Hamas to mobilize domestic, Arab, and international support for its actions, shape awareness of the...
Despite the limited objectives the Israeli government presented at the outset of Operation Protective Edge, the conditions are ripe for shaping a new strategic reality in the Gaza Strip. To this end, the Israeli government must take the interests of the United States and Egypt into consideration and both commit itself and mobilize regional and international players in a US-led political initiative of “reconstruction for demilitarization.” The Israeli government must understand that the conditions have changed so that there is an...
In contrast to the clichéd statement that there is no military solution to terrorism, Israel has proven it can solve systemic terrorist threats against it militarily. Nonetheless, the political solution is always to be preferred. The long term political solution for Gaza is the continued weakening of Hamas – economically, politically, and militarily – and the creation of better political alternatives for both the Palestinians and Israel. Over the last two years, Hamas has been politically and financially weakened. If, after Operation...
Operation Protective Edge and the talks that are supposed to end it have brought the political and ideological fault lines in the Middle East into sharp relief. The mediation attempts demonstrate the extent to which the countries involved in the ceasefire negotiations have different political agendas, as well as opposing ideologies and interests. While firmly held ideologies and weighty interests are not an obstacle per se to success in mediation, it seems that they are complicating the efforts of the regional players as they attempt...
My conversations with select leaders of public opinion in social media in Gaza and Egypt paint a complex picture, largely contradicting some Israeli working assumptions regarding Hamas and the situation in Gaza, which have been raised by leading voices in the traditional Israeli media. These opinions challenge the Israeli interpretation of Hamas’ conduct, public opinion in the Gaza Strip, and Egypt’s role as mediator between Israel and Hamas.The four questions I posed to these leaders of public opinion in Gaza and Egypt...
On the night of July 17, 2014, following its decision to advance Operation Protective Edge to a second stage, the Israeli government issued the order to launch a limited ground maneuver. The immediate goal is to neutralize the attack tunnels dug by Hamas along the border with Israel; in conjunction with this decision, the campaign is to continue until it attains the goals of “restoring calm for a long period of time and dealing a significant blow to Hamas and other terrorist organizations.” At this stage, the move involves action in...
Assuming that Hamas will ultimately accept the Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire, even if with minor adjustments and guaranteed by an external party, the question arises whether conditions for a ceasefire and new understandings are indeed sufficiently ripe. The end mechanisms of the current conflict and the ultimate arrangement are meant to promote the strategic goals of both sides. Israel chose to mark Hamas as the responsible party in the Gaza Strip, while conducting a sustained effort to weaken it but without eliminating its rule....
An end to Operation Protective Edge with resolutions and understandings similar to the above-mentioned Security Council resolutions would constitute a political and security failure for Israel. They will not weaken Hamas, which in any case will portray the situation at the end of the fighting as a success, nor will they prevent Hamas’ rearmament; furthermore, a large proportion of the rockets launched against Israel are now self-produced. Only a radical change in the behavior of the various actors in the Gaza theater is likely to...
