The Imperative to Defeat Hamas: Preventing Gaza from Becoming a Terror-State

The article argues that Hamas must be fully defeated to avoid transforming Gaza into a terror-state, analogous to pre-war Lebanon. It outlines Hamas’s current strategy aimed at securing a ceasefire to rebuild and maintain its power, while critiquing regional proposals that could allow Hamas to entrench itself further. The author emphasizes the importance of Israel’s military presence to ensure the neutralization of Hamas’s capabilities before any new governance arrangements are considered.

The primary objective of Hamas currently lies in securing a ceasefire to ensure its survival during the conflict, allowing the organization to rebuild its military force and reinforce its political dominance over Gaza. Hamas is reportedly strategizing to establish a governance framework similar to the one utilized by Hezbollah prior to the Lebanon conflict, which involves presenting an internationally recognized administration while maintaining covert military control and political authority.

Should Hamas successfully implement such a governance model, it would provide the group a platform to rearm and eventually reignite hostilities against Israel, all while claiming to the Palestinian populace that it managed to inflict significant damage on Israeli civilians. Various proposals, such as those from Egypt, which suggest a technocrat-led Palestinian Authority administration, could inadvertently lead to a scenario reminiscent of Lebanon prior to its civil war, particularly since Israel’s military engagement against Hamas remains unresolved.

During a recent summit in Cairo, Egyptian President Fateh El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s objection to the eviction of Palestinians and its support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Egypt is advocating for a ceasefire and interim governance premised on independent technocratic management of Gaza while assuring the security and rebuilding of the region.

Reports indicate that Hamas has shown some acceptance of arrangements that would allow for a transfer of authority in Gaza. This signals the organization’s intent to maintain its control by manipulating legitimate governing structures. Although Egyptian pressure has led to discussions about ceding control to the Palestinian Authority, there is skepticism regarding whether Hamas will genuinely relinquish authority.

Hamas’s potential model for governance in Gaza closely mirrors Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, where the latter maintained military dominance despite a nominally sovereign government. In Lebanon, Hezbollah eclipsed the Lebanese Armed Forces, manipulated governmental decisions, and operated an extensive stockpile of weapons with support from Iran, creating a situation where the government functioned merely as a front for international legitimacy.

If Israel permits Hamas to establish a similar structure in Gaza, it risks facing major international backlash if it seeks to dismantle Hamas. Simultaneously, any proposed international peacekeeping force would likely be ineffective. Such a situation would enable Hamas to utilize the ceasefire for rearmament, constructing a formidable military infrastructure while claiming protection under the guise of an international governing authority.

Hence, the imperative for Israel is to re-engage decisively in Gaza to destroy Hamas’s military and regime. Without undermining Hamas’s operational capabilities, any post-conflict governance structure would arguably lack validity. Ensuring a sustained Israeli security presence in Gaza, with unrestricted operational capabilities, is critical for counterterrorism efforts and preventing Hamas from reestablishing itself as a military threat.

Only upon achieving these conditions could there be contemplation of a more moderate governance framework for Gaza, ideally endorsed by Gulf states and the United States, while ensuring Israel maintains the freedom of operation necessary to avert a resurgence of terrorism.

In summary, the article emphasizes the necessity of fully dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities to prevent a repeat of Hezbollah’s scenario from Lebanon. It argues for an essential Israeli military presence in Gaza to ensure security and operational autonomy, allowing for the effective management of terrorist threats. Without addressing these foundational concerns, any governance structure in Gaza could lack legitimacy and possibly lead to a resurgence of militant activity. The importance of international cooperation with regional powers is also highlighted for future governance arrangements.

Original Source: www.algemeiner.com