(Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security) Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman - Achieving the surrender of large numbers of combatants belonging to Hamas and other terror groups is advantageous, first of all, in terms of incurring fewer casualties and requiring less military effort than a "fight to the finish." In addition, for decades, the Islamist totalitarian terrorist groups, from Hizbullah and Hamas to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, have cultivated the legend that the "Resistance," rooted in (a version of) religious faith, will stand and fight to the last. They posit a willingness, even eagerness, for a "martyr's" death. Thus, the change now taking place in Gaza is of great symbolic significance. Documenting the actual acts of surrender and spreading images that reverse and debunk the myth is a strategic asset in the overall war of ideas against totalitarian Islamism. The signs of demoralization and loss of fighting spirit in the enemy ranks in key places can lead to a similar effect in other sectors. The writer, former deputy director of Israel's National Security Council, is vice president of JISS.
2024-03-31 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive