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Palestinian Islamists Disrupt Attempts at Truce in Gaza
(The Hill) Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Eitan Dangot - Hamas has determined that a truce can boost its regional standing in the Middle East and enable it to find support beyond its traditional, more radical allies. At the same time, a ceasefire enables Hamas to build up its resources. Driven by these objectives, Hamas has pursued efforts to reach understandings with Israel. However, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which maintains strong relations with Tehran, has torpedoed these attempts. Hamas must decide whether to enforce its rule in Gaza or co-opt the PIJ as a partner. Israel also needs to decide whether it will allow the PIJ to continue to strengthen its forces. Alternatively, Israel could launch a targeted campaign against the PIJ, striking its leaders, infrastructure and rocket developers, and blocking its funding sources. Activating a comprehensive campaign against the PIJ would allow Israel to realize a truce far more definitively than would continuing the status quo. The writer served as military secretary to three Israeli defense ministers and as Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.