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Why Israel Must Destroy Hamas in Gaza City

(Jerusalem Post) Prof. Efraim Inbar - The international consensus for ending Hamas rule in Gaza and for its disarmament cannot be achieved without the use of military force. Therefore, the conquest of Gaza City is imperative for removing Hamas from power and for Israel being perceived as the victor in the war. This war is not a boxing match where winning by points is possible. In Gaza - where the victory will be determined - a knockout is a must. Without the eviction of Hamas - an unequivocal victory - Israel lost the war. The operations in an urban setting, the unprecedented scale of subterranean warfare, and the ceasefires imposed on Israel to free the hostages prolonged the war. Similarly, the Biden administration's interference in the conduct of the war and its arms boycotts extended the war. The length of the war allows Hamas to claim victory because it survived for almost two years in the contest with Israel. There is no "day after" if Hamas units are allowed to stay in Gaza. Who will come to maintain law and order, risking Hamas terrorism? At the same time, all the states that have peace treaties with Israel - Egypt, Jordan, the Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco - abhor Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. The writer is head of the Program for Strategy, Diplomacy and Security at the Shalem Academic Center.
2025-09-25 00:00:00
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