Prof. Siboni was director of the military and strategic affairs program, and the cyber research program, of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) from 2006-2020, where he founded academic journals on these matters. He serves as a senior consultant to the IDF and other Israeli security organizations and the security industry. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in engineering from Tel Aviv University and a Ph.D. in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Ben-Gurion University.
For years, the Gaza Strip has been of secondary importance, with the General Staff focusing primarily on the northern front and Iran. This focus has come at the expense of intelligence gathering, building operational plans, and operational attention to Gaza.
To end Hamas, the IDF must temporarily control Gaza
Creating a governmental alternative to Hamas in the Gaza Strip requires the destruction of Hamas’ military, civil and governmental capabilities. While the IDF continues to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities, there is no non-Hamas affiliated entity willing to accept civilian control of the Gaza Strip during this interim period. Only the IDF can do this.
An IDF operation in the Rafah arena and along the Philadelphi Corridor is of great importance for several reasons. First, they are Hamas’ last organized stronghold in the Gaza Strip, and the elimination of Hamas’ military capabilities will not be achieved without the destruction of the battalions stationed there. Second, Israel must remove Hamas’ governmental capabilities in this area. Third, in order to free hostages, it is essential to reach the areas where they are held. Moreover, we need to realize that Israeli communities in areas opposite Rafah will not return to their homes if operational Hamas battalions are on the other side of the border. Finally, the border between Gaza and Egypt – the Philadelphi Corridor – still operates as a conduit for the entry of weapons into the Strip through a network of tunnels.
In the face of Hamas’ evil, there can be no compromise. We must classify its atrocities not only as a crime against humanity but as a separate criminal category of evil.
US support for Israel is strong, but containing the conflict in our region is a supreme American interest, and it remains to be seen whether Washington will also dictate restraint that will make it difficult for Israel to succeed in completing its mission in the Gaza Strip.
Not defensive about force? Gabi Siboni, senior researcher at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security
