Hamas

Escalating tensions with Iran should be a warning that Tehran’s strategy of training and arming proxy terror groups throughout the Middle East is not being countered aggressively enough.

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

Neglecting IDF ground maneuver capabilities is a dangerous gamble.

Iran Increases Hamas Funding in Exchange for Intel on Israel Missiles.
Dr. Yossi Mansharof: Tehran asked Hamas to provide intelligence on the locations of Israeli missile stockpiles in exchange for the funding.

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.

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.”