This article discusses the necessity for Israel to decisively defeat Hamas to prevent Gaza from becoming a terror state like Hezbollah’s Lebanon. It emphasizes Hamas’ aim to maintain military control under a guise of governance, reflections on regional proposals, and what Israel must do to secure lasting peace and security in the region.
Hamas is currently focused on securing a ceasefire amidst ongoing conflict, as it aims to restore its military capabilities and solidify its political control over the Gaza Strip. A crucial aspect of this strategy involves establishing a governance model akin to Hezbollah’s pre-conflict dominance in Lebanon, thereby maintaining military dominance while presenting a facade of legitimate authority. This plan would allow Hamas to regroup and resume hostilities against Israel at a future juncture, effectively evading decisive military defeat.
Proposals from regional actors, including Egypt’s initiative for a government led by technocrats from the Palestinian Authority, risk replicating a Lebanon-like scenario where Hamas retains de facto power despite appearing to cede control. Egypt’s President El-Sisi has voiced objections to forcing Palestinians from their land, emphasizing the need for an independent Palestinian state and a temporary governance committee until the Palestinian Authority can re-establish control.
Despite reports indicating that Hamas might accept such governance arrangements, the organization is unlikely to relinquish control over Gaza entirely. Recent communications suggest that Hamas is engaging in discussions about potential governance shifts under Egyptian pressure, but this is primarily motivated by a desire to maintain its grip on power rather than any genuine commitment to change.
Hamas appears to be modeling its intended control in Gaza after Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, where the latter maintained military dominance despite the presence of a nominal government. Prior to the conflict, Hezbollah effectively controlled security policy and maintained a powerful military presence, operating independently of the Lebanese government while utilizing it for international legitimacy.
Should Hamas succeed in mimicking Hezbollah’s structure, it would likely allow the group to rebuild its military on the international stage while arguing against Israeli military actions on the basis of sovereignty. Past precedent indicates that an international peacekeeping presence could falter under these conditions, much like UNIFIL in Lebanon, becoming ineffective against insurgent tactics.
The implications of allowing Hamas to maintain power would be severe; amidst a ceasefire, Hamas would rearm and reinforce its tactical capabilities, mirroring Hezbollah’s accumulation of weapons under government oversight in Lebanon. To prevent a scenario where Hamas retains enduring military capabilities, Israel must re-engage actively in Gaza, seeking to enforce long-term military and political control.
Key actions require the total dismantling of Hamas’ military structure to ensure that it cannot operate as the de facto authority. Furthermore, Israel must maintain operational freedom for counterterrorism actions, allowing the military to safeguard against future attacks and terrorist resurgence. A more moderate governance model could be contemplated only after these conditions are firmly established, ensuring no return to conflict emanating from Gaza.
To prevent Gaza from evolving into a terror state akin to Lebanon under Hezbollah, it is crucial for Israel to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities effectively. Allowing Hamas to retain its operational independence poses a significant threat to regional stability. A decisive military engagement aimed at full control is necessary to enforce security and create a governance structure that minimizes future conflict, potentially facilitated by international support once control is restored.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com
