Gaza

The idea that a Jewish and a Palestinian state will coexist peacefully is widespread in contemporary academic and political circles but ignores the reality on the ground.

Operation “Breaking Dawn” achieved its military and political goals. But it also demonstrated the neck to neck race between the growth rate of the Palestinian’s rocket capabilities and Israel’s defensive capabilities. Israel should prepare for a situation where the current configuration of missile defense will not be sufficient to contain the rocket offensive.

The IDF, police, and other security forces must grasp that modern conflicts lack a distinct frontier. The frontline may simultaneously be inside and outside the country.

Israel's decision to launch a preemptive military operation in the Gaza Strip only because of threats against it sent a deterrence message to Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and even Hezbollah. The operation significantly damaged the organizational and military capabilities of Islamic Jihad. Still, Israel should have continued extensively damaging the organization's military infrastructure.

What are the implications, consequences of Israel's Gaza operation?

Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Israel Wins a Round in the Proxy War With Iran

The stability and orientation of the region's most populous country, Egypt, remain crucial components of the newly emerging regional security architecture and its new strategic alignments.

Security expert: Hamas wants repeat of last May's war with Israel

The growing capabilities and the impressive skill of their operators elevate the threat from Iran's unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) from a nuisance to a strategic level on par with Iran's missiles and rockets threat on Israel.

The Hamas takeover of Gaza killed the two-state solution

The Hamas takeover of Gaza killed the two-state solution

The American pressure against the Atarot housing project north of Jerusalem was likely meant to maintain the possibility of a two-state solution.

Report: Israel Complied with International Law in Last Gaza War
Interview with Prof. Efraim Inbar

On Qatari aid to Hamas in the Gaza Strip
Interview with Prof. Efraim Inbar

On Israel-Hamas truce negotiations
Interview with Dr. Eran Lerman

Frustrated by Israel’s Refusal to Allow Qatari Cash Into Gaza, Hamas Threatens Violence
Col. Eran Lerman: New Israeli government has a different strategy for dealing with Hamas, and as things stand it will not allow suitcases of Qatari cash to enter Gaza.

There are plenty of nice plans for Gaza, but none that will change the core truth: Hamas will continue to seek Israel’s destruction, and Israel will continue to defend itself.

Don’t be blackmailed, don’t expect Hamas to keep its promises, and take initiative.

Israel insists it’s emerged from Gaza fight with diplomatic ties largely intact
Dr. Emmanuel Navon: A clear pro-Israel bloc in Europe stood firm.

Can Hamas and Iran claim victory in Gaza?
Interview with Miki Aharonson

Video briefing by Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror, for JISS friends. (May 23, 2021)

Since war is about inflicting pain and sustaining pain, Israel clearly can be declared the winner of the recent confrontation.

On the Israel-Gaza war
Interview with Micky Aharonson

Despite Gaza bloodshed, few see Abraham Accords derailing
Dr. Eran Lerman: Relations between Israel, the UAE and other signatories will stay on track.

Amid Gaza conflict, global response to Israel not as bad as on TV
General Amidror: The US understood Israel’s need to complete the operation against Hamas. And overall, world reaction to Israel’s campaign against Hamas has been encouraging.

How Long Will a Cease-fire Between Israel and Hamas last?
Dr. Omer Dostri: Israel will enjoy a few years of quiet. But further investments in the Gazan economy should be conditioned on the return of two Israeli civilians and the remains of two Israeli soldiers currently held by Hamas.

French Response to the Israel-Hamas Conflict
Interview with Dr. Emmanuel Navon (French)

The Mistakes Made by Hamas
Interview with Dr. Emmanuel Navon

Israel responds to 400 rockets fired from Gaza
Interview with Dr. David Koren

IDF strikes on Gaza's terrorists should be intense and aimed at causing severe damage to the intermediate level of command, infrastructure and weapons.

Why can’t Netanyahu free Israelis from Gaza as easily as from Syria?
Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman: Russian President Putin has strong relationships with both Netanyahu and Syrian President Assad, whereas Hamas has unrealistic demands.

The next Israeli government would be well-advised to come-up with its own proposals for improving the life of Palestinians, both to further improve its own regional standing and to meet (some of the) administration’s expectations, in dialogue and partnership.

On the deal to provide natural gas to Gaza
Interview with Prof. Efraim Inbar

Israel's Blockade Has Kept the Worst of the Coronavirus Out of Gaza. It Might Keep Aid Out Too.
Dr. Joshua Krasna: No amount of preparation could prevent the pandemic from battering Israel economically.

Is Gaza Livable?
Roundtable discussion with Prof. Efraim Inbar and other analysts.

What Happens When Hezbollah Seeks a Similar Arrangement of Quiet for Cash?

Israel’s Struggle against Hamas’s Indirect Approach

“El verdadero peligro de Israel está en la frontera del norte”
Investigador en el Instituto de Estrategia y Seguridad de Jerusalem, y especialista en Islam e Irán, Yossi Mansharof analizó los últimos acontecimientos registrados en el sur del país, a pocas horas del cese el fuego entre Israel y la Yihad Islámica, en diálogo exclusivo con

Israel’s targeted assassination of terror operative sends a double message.
Prof. Efraim Inbar: At some time, a full-scale ground incursion will be inevitable.

Tensions between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Prof. Efraim Inbar speaks with TV7.

Will Israel launch a military ground operation in Gaza?
Prof. Efraim Inbar: A large-scale invasion is inevitable.

Is it time for the IDF to inflict ‘massive damage’ on Hamas?
Prof. Inbar: The IDF concept of using accurate intelligence for pinpoint airstrikes has proven deficient. A land incursion may be needed to convince Israel’s enemies that we are ready to pay a price in casualties in order to secure the well-being of our citizens.

The notion that Hamas could be incentivised by the injection of funds from Qatar has proven erroneous or deeply problematic.

Gaza Violence Exacerbates Israel-Turkey Rift.
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: At the end of the day, if you are supporting Hamas your relationship with Israel will be problematic.

'Israel, IDF decided to cross threshold not crossed before'
IDF Colonel (Res.) Dr. Eran Lerman tells Arutz Sheva 'Israel is trying to rewrite the rules of the game, with one clear emphasis.'

Why isn’t Iron Dome stopping these deadly rocket attacks?
General Yaakov Amidror: If a rocket is shot at a location less than a few kilometers away, we don’t have enough time to intercept it.

Amidror: Iran Behind the Gaza Escalation.
Why did the Islamic Jihad do this? The answer is again and again and again - Iran.

What’s the deal with the Gaza Strip?
The Israel Project interviews Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman of JISS. He explains why Israel’s policy regarding the Gaza Strip needs to change significantly.

The government should act with magnanimity towards the civilian population in Gaza while preparing the IDF for intensive warfare against Hamas.

It is in Israel's interest to solidify the Egyptian role in Gaza, in the context of "conflict management" as a governing policy concept. Egyptian participation in the efforts to stabilize the situation in Gaza serves as an important component in the vital Egypt-Israel relationship. It also helps erode Hamas' pretensions of Jihad.

Does Hamas see Israel’s deterrence waning?
Prof. Efraim Inbar: Deterrence is a tricky notion. Dr. Eran Lerman: Hamas is irritating us in order to obtain certain limited gains through the negotiating process.

Gaza rocket hits Israeli home injuring seven; Netanyahu cuts short Washington trip.
Dr. Eran Lerman of JISS: “When there was intensive rocket fire on the southern area that borders Gaza, Israel found a workable modus vivendi, involving transfer of Qatari money to Hamas. If Netanyahu now reacts aggressively, then people will say the blood of those in the center of the country is thicker than in the south. If he does not respond, then he’ll be criticized for not doing anything in the face of brazen provocation.”

Political Dynamics Raise Risk for Israel-Hamas Clash.
Dr. Eran Lerman of JISS: “The anti-Hamas demonstrations that indicate a level of frustration and anger not seen before. (The missile fire on Israel) is a familiar tactic to refocus the tension on the real enemy.”

The IDF's response will be harsher than usual, not because Israelis in the center are more valued than those in the periphery but because of the emerging need to show Hamas that it has grossly misjudged.

Rocket From Gaza Hits Israel, Prompting Netanyahu to Curtail U.S. Trip.
Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman of JISS: Hamas is playing with fire.

It is necessary for Israel’s political and military leaders to readjust their conceptual framework concerning deterrence, and to engage the public in an open and effective dialogue on the deterrence equations. Also needed is a more specific and accurate capacity to strike fear into Hamas leadership by signaling both willingness and ability to destroy the assets that they value most.

Israel’s security requirements on other fronts, require containment of the conflict on the southern front, while continuing to build the western Negev notwithstanding Hamas’ arson attempts.

How Hamas Brought Israel to the Brink of Election Chaos.
Dr. Eran Lerman: Lieberman was isolated by the rest of Netanyahu’s security cabinet, which supported the ceasefire.

Is the situation with Gaza ‘the problem from hell?’
Prof. Efraim Inbar: We cannot trust Hamas to keep the calm. Only when Hamas is afraid of IDF retaliation, which has yet to come, will calm prevail. General Amidror: A war in Gaza will only benefit PA leader Mahmoud Abbas and Iran. And we don’t want to give Iran any gifts.

The challenge now is how to make it clear to the Hamas leadership that it should not believe is own supercilious words.

Only a crushing and devastating blow to Hamas will pave the way for a truce that would not be a victory for the terrorists.

Israel's actions (or at times, inaction) concerning the future of the Gaza Strip cannot be isolated from the broader context of the struggle over the entire region's balance of power. Gaza’s dependence on Egypt, and perhaps Cyprus, constitutes a common interest of the “camp of stability” in the Middle East, to curb the influence of both Turkey and Iran, and to deny Abu Mazen the baneful position of a spoiler.

Reducing enemy capabilities and ambitions in Gaza requires Israeli military readiness and government willingness to use force intermittingly, while maintaining a healthy and resilient Israeli home front.

Iran and the smaller terrorist groups in Gaza want a full-scale war with Israel. Hamas does not. Israel should land a decisive, well-defined blow but back Egyptian efforts to broker a cease-fire.

The INSS unilateral disengagement plan is neither new nor logical.

The abject failure of the Oslo Accords has had a salutary effect on Israeli society. Israelis are today quite resilient, ready to endure – if necessary – protracted conflict.

'Hamas leaders should fear assassinations'
JISS President Prof. Efraim Inbar says Israel must exact a higher price from Hamas to ensure quiet, including targeting the leadership.

Syria in Gaza, Without the Russians.
Dr. Eran Lerman: The Gaza Strip is a microcosm of what is happening throughout the region - a reflection of the broader conflicts throughout the Middle East.

With an eye on Syria, Israel seeks broader truce in Gaza.
General Amidror: Israel needs to focus on the real issue: Iran in Syria, not on Hamas.

The latest round of violence on the Israel-Gaza border has followed its familiar pattern. Neither party wants to blink first; whoever does will be at a disadvantage down the line.

Despite many Israelis’ growing frustration, there are good reasons why the IDF has yet to use all of its force to combat the growing terrorism from the Gaza Strip, including the fact the IDF is focused on the northern front where Israel faces its main enemy: Iran.

Israel would prefer not to go to war with Hamas over kite terrorism but Gaza's rulers should not confuse that with apprehension. The simple fact is that clear priorities must be set and Israel must decide which of the threats it faces is truly urgent.

Between Ceasefire and War: Gaza on a Knife's Edge.
Dr. Eran Lerman: In a war to eradicate Hamas, the unknowns outweigh the perceived benefits.

After Hamas: Why Israel Fears A Power Vacuum in Gaza.
Dr. Eran Lerman: Israel’s reticence to cross the fine line between a “proportional response” and complete invasion is compounded by a lack of desire to re-occupy Gaza, which would be a huge political and economic burden and undoubtedly generate a major diplomatic backlash.

Because ending terrorism from Gaza is unrealistic, Israel has wisely adopted a strategy of attrition. If there is soon to be a large-scale ground operation, conquering the whole Strip should not be the goal.

'The situation in Gaza isn't about to change'
Prof. Efraim Inbar: Israel must understand the situation in Gaza will remain unchanged.

Israel must make it clear to Hamas that letting Islamic Jihad trigger another widespread escalation does not serve its interests or its continued existence.

What is Western support for “Israel’s right to exist within secure and recognized borders” worth if those borders cannot be defended?

Israel’s use of fatal fire in Gaza: Excessive force or justified mob control?
General Amidror: I reject critics who sit in an air-conditioned office, drink coffee and give advice to the Israeli army that is facing off against many thousands of Palestinians.

Israelis Reflect on Gaza: ‘I Hope at Least That Each Bullet Was Justified’
Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman: The death toll has to be measured not against some ideal of a nonlethal solution, but against Hamas’s purposes and what would have happened if they had breached the fence.

Former NSC Head Amidror: South Africa And Turkey Not Important for Israel.
"The world doesn’t understand difference between a protest in Brussels and a terrorist group using a protest as cover to destroy a military barrier."

Gaza buries its dead as death toll from protests at fence with Israel rises to at least 60.
General Amidror: Hamas is a terrorist organization that is attempting to stop Israel from building a system that would stop their underground terror tunnels.

'Gaza is not Israel's responsibility'. Professor Efraim Inbar says Israel has no responsibility to aid Gaza, not providing aid may bring down Hamas.

Ex-IDF Deputy Chief at JISS: Gaza-West Bank Split Good for Israeli Security.

Tunnel Warfare with Hamas: Past, Present, Future. Comment by Gen. Amidror: The IDF will need to continue to update and adapt its tactics for combating the tunnel threat.

The increasing rocket fire from Gaza at Israel reflects a tragic reality in which neither Israel nor the Palestinians want a confrontation, but both sides may be helpless to stop it. Meanwhile, the Islamic world will not really support the Palestinians.

Prof. Efraim Inbar argues that Israel should adhere to its longstanding approach of using sticks and carrots in the Palestinian arena.