Netanyahu's strategy to defeat Hamas on the battlefield

[MIDDLE EAST] The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has garnered global attention for its complexity, its deep-rooted historical context, and its devastating human toll. In recent months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his top aides have emphasized the need for Israel to defeat Hamas on the battlefield, presenting it as a key strategic goal. The Israeli leadership’s statements reflect a shift in approach to the Gaza-based militant group, which has waged both conventional and unconventional warfare against Israel for years.

The Strategic Context: Why Netanyahu Believes Military Victory is Crucial

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s insistence on a military victory against Hamas stems from both immediate tactical concerns and long-term strategic objectives. Israel has been involved in several military operations aimed at weakening Hamas' hold over Gaza and diminishing its ability to launch attacks against Israeli civilians. However, despite these efforts, Hamas has managed to remain resilient, adapting to Israel’s military strategies and continuing to pose a significant threat.

In his recent public statements, Netanyahu has expressed that Israel must “beat” Hamas decisively, a sentiment echoed by his senior aides. This call for victory reflects the perception among Israeli leaders that the only way to ensure lasting peace and security for Israel is to significantly degrade Hamas' military capabilities, including its extensive network of tunnels, rockets, and militants stationed across Gaza.

The determination for a battlefield victory is also influenced by the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region. Israel is aware that its adversaries, including Iran, who backs Hamas through proxy means, are closely watching the developments. A defeat of Hamas could send a strong message to Iran and its allies about the limits of their influence in the region.

The Military Situation: Israel’s Tactical Approach

Israel’s military strategy has evolved over time, with a mix of airstrikes, ground operations, and intelligence-gathering efforts targeting Hamas’ infrastructure. Israeli forces have focused on dismantling the group’s rocket-launching capabilities, as well as destroying weapons depots, tunnels, and other strategic assets that Hamas uses to execute its attacks.

However, defeating Hamas on the battlefield is not a straightforward task. The urban nature of the Gaza Strip, with its dense population and complex network of tunnels, makes it difficult for Israeli forces to operate without causing significant civilian casualties. This has led to accusations of disproportionate use of force, as well as growing international pressure on Israel to balance its military objectives with humanitarian concerns.

Netanyahu has consistently emphasized Israel's right to defend itself against what he describes as terrorist acts, while stressing that Hamas has been using civilian areas to shield its operations. This complicates Israel’s efforts to achieve its goal without exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which remains one of the world’s most densely populated and impoverished regions.

Why Hamas Remains Resilient

Despite Israel’s advanced military technology and its high-tech intelligence capabilities, Hamas has shown a remarkable ability to recover and adapt. One key factor in Hamas’ resilience is its decentralized command structure. The group operates through various cells and militants, which makes it difficult for Israel to eliminate its leadership in a single strike.

Hamas also benefits from its vast network of underground tunnels, which allows the group to evade Israeli airstrikes and continue its operations even in the face of intense bombardment. These tunnels are not only used to move fighters and supplies but also to store weapons and equipment, making them critical to Hamas’ survival.

The support Hamas receives from Iran further complicates Israel’s military efforts. Iran provides financial backing, military training, and advanced weaponry to Hamas, reinforcing its capabilities. This external support means that Hamas is not entirely reliant on the resources of Gaza, making it a more formidable opponent than many other militant groups.

Netanyahu's View: A Long-Term Strategy

Netanyahu's vision for a military victory over Hamas is not only about defeating the group on the battlefield. It’s also about ensuring that Hamas is weakened to the point where it can no longer pose a credible threat to Israel. The Israeli leadership aims to destroy Hamas' military infrastructure while preventing the rise of any similar groups that could fill the vacuum left behind.

In his public remarks, Netanyahu has stated that Israel must not only “win” against Hamas but must also shape the future of Gaza. This involves preventing Hamas from rearming and ensuring that Gaza cannot serve as a base for launching future attacks on Israel. According to Netanyahu, the military campaign must be coupled with long-term efforts to disrupt the group’s ability to fund and train militants, as well as efforts to curb the flow of weapons into Gaza.

The notion of "beating" Hamas is also closely tied to Israel’s internal security strategy. If Israel can achieve a decisive military victory, Netanyahu believes it will send a strong message of deterrence to other hostile actors in the region, including Hezbollah and Iran.

International Reactions and the Humanitarian Challenge

The call for a military victory against Hamas has drawn mixed reactions from the international community. Many countries, including the United States, have expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, while also urging restraint to minimize civilian casualties. On the other hand, some countries, particularly in the Middle East and Europe, have criticized Israel’s tactics and called for an immediate ceasefire.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a significant point of contention. The civilian toll in the ongoing conflict is alarming, with thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. Israel faces growing pressure to balance its military objectives with international calls for humanitarian aid and protection for civilians in Gaza.

In this context, Netanyahu and his aides are walking a fine line. They have repeatedly stressed that Israel is doing everything it can to target only Hamas militants and military infrastructure, but they also acknowledge that the densely populated nature of Gaza complicates these efforts. Nonetheless, Israeli leadership remains committed to its ultimate goal of defeating Hamas on the battlefield, no matter the external criticism.

The Future of the Conflict: Will Israel Achieve Victory?

As the conflict continues, it remains uncertain whether Israel can achieve its goal of decisively defeating Hamas on the battlefield. The challenge lies not only in Hamas' resilience but also in the broader political dynamics in the Middle East, which could impact the trajectory of the conflict.

For Netanyahu and his aides, a military victory over Hamas is seen as essential for securing Israel’s long-term security. However, this will require overcoming significant obstacles, including the complex geography of Gaza, the entrenched nature of Hamas, and the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold.

Moreover, achieving military success against Hamas may not necessarily translate into lasting peace. Israel’s ultimate goal is to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas and prevent its return to power, but this will require not just military action but also diplomatic efforts to stabilize Gaza and address the root causes of the ongoing conflict.

Netanyahu's call for a decisive military victory over Hamas reflects a broader strategy to ensure Israel’s security in a volatile region. While the military goals are clear, the path to achieving them remains fraught with challenges. Israel must balance its need for security with the humanitarian realities of the Gaza Strip and the international pressure it faces.

Ultimately, whether Israel can achieve its goal of beating Hamas on the battlefield will depend on the outcome of its military strategy, the resilience of Hamas, and the diplomatic efforts that follow. While the road ahead is uncertain, Netanyahu and his aides are determined to pursue victory as the only way to ensure lasting peace and stability for Israel.