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Israel Grapples with Longstanding Dilemmas Amid Escalating Conflict with Hamas

by Chloe Baker
7 comments
Israel-Hamas Conflict

As Israel intensifies its aerial bombardment of Gaza and contemplates a ground invasion in response to Hamas’ unprecedented offensive, the nation’s leaders are faced with complex challenges that echo previous conflicts with the Palestinians.

Israel has committed to eradicating the Hamas operatives behind the unexpected attack over the weekend, but this comes at the peril of increasing international scrutiny as the death toll among Palestinian civilians continues to rise. Israeli authorities aim to eliminate the abductors while sparing the approximately 150 hostages—comprising men, women, children, and the elderly—whom Hamas has taken across the border and threatened to execute if Israel targets civilians.

Ultimately, Israel may find itself in a position where it chooses to keep Hamas in power in Gaza rather than gamble on potentially more hazardous options.

Evaluating Military Strategies

Israel is increasingly leaning towards a ground assault in Gaza, a tactic it has previously employed in two out of its last four conflicts with Hamas. The Israeli military has devoted substantial resources to prepare for such a circumstance, even constructing a specialized training facility in its southern desert to mimic the urban terrain of Gaza.

While a ground offensive would send a decisive signal, it would also provide a better opportunity to eliminate key Hamas leaders and free hostages. However, such a maneuver almost certainly assures a steep rise in casualties on both sides and would entail intricate, house-to-house combat against a well-prepared Hamas militia that has had years to fortify its positions with tunnels and traps.

According to Giora Eiland, a retired Israeli general and former head of Israel’s National Security Council, undertaking a ground invasion would be a “grave error,” requiring the military to clear numerous homes and disarm extensive tunnel networks—all while combating thousands of Hamas militants.

Weighing the Costs of Eliminating Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sworn to “obliterate and exterminate” Hamas. But experts suggest that even if this could be achieved, Israel might later regret the action. Hamas has deep roots in Palestinian society and operates a complex network that includes governance, social welfare programs, and an armed wing. If Israel were to reoccupy Gaza, it would be responsible for governing 2.3 million Palestinians, likely while facing an insurgency.

“From Israel’s perspective, there is no viable alternative to a Hamas regime. This is the lesser evil we are familiar with,” stated Michael Milshtein, an Israeli expert on Palestinian issues at Tel Aviv University.

Civilian Toll and International Reaction

Thus far, international calls for Israeli restraint have been sparse, primarily due to widespread revulsion at Hamas’ atrocities. However, this could change as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that Israeli airstrikes have already resulted in over 1,500 Palestinian deaths, including 500 children and 276 women.

Addressing the Root Cause

The underlying issue, which transcends the current conflict and even the existence of Hamas, is the enduring Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Until this core problem is resolved, conflicts like the current one are likely to recur.

Multiple human rights organizations allege that Israel’s control over the Palestinians is tantamount to apartheid, a claim Israel vehemently denies. With no peace talks in over a decade, the idea of a two-state solution seems increasingly remote.

“Eliminating Hamas will not solve the security and strategic challenges related to Gaza, nor will it address its underlying problems,” noted H.A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a U.K.-based defense think tank.


Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News correspondents Julia Frankel in Jerusalem and Jill Lawless in London.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Hamas Conflict

What are the dilemmas facing Israel in the escalating conflict with Hamas?

Israel faces multiple challenges including the need to eradicate Hamas operatives responsible for recent attacks while minimizing civilian casualties, and the decision whether to undertake a ground invasion of Gaza. These dilemmas are compounded by international scrutiny and the humanitarian toll of the conflict.

What are the potential implications of a ground invasion into Gaza by Israel?

A ground invasion would likely result in higher casualties on both sides and would require intricate urban warfare against a well-prepared Hamas militia. Additionally, a long-term military presence would be necessary, thereby involving Israel more deeply in governance and potentially fueling an insurgency.

What does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vow regarding Hamas?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “obliterate and exterminate” Hamas. However, experts suggest that even if this could be achieved, Israel might later regret the action due to governance and insurgency issues.

How have international reactions to the conflict been characterized?

So far, international calls for Israeli restraint have been sparse, primarily due to widespread revulsion at Hamas’ atrocities. However, this stance could change as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens.

What is the root issue underpinning the conflict?

The enduring Israeli-Palestinian dispute forms the basis of the current conflict and all previous conflicts between Israel and Palestinian groups. Unless this foundational issue is addressed, similar conflicts are likely to recur in the future.

What do human rights groups say about Israel’s control over the Palestinians?

Several major human rights groups allege that Israel’s control over the Palestinians amounts to apartheid, a claim that Israel vehemently denies. The lack of peace talks in over a decade makes a two-state solution seem increasingly remote.

Who contributed to this report?

Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News correspondents Julia Frankel in Jerusalem and Jill Lawless in London.

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7 comments

Mike O'Brien October 12, 2023 - 11:15 pm

Gotta say, its complicated all right. Ground invasion could be a disaster, but letting Hamas stay in power ain’t great either. what a mess.

Reply
Emily Smith October 13, 2023 - 12:20 am

Interesting read, definitely. But what about the Palestinian side of the story? This seems focused on Israel’s dilemmas but the Palestinian civilians are suffering too. They’re not just numbers.

Reply
Sarah Williams October 13, 2023 - 12:26 am

Is international pressure gonna make any difference? Last four Gaza wars didn’t solve anything, did they. More talks less bombs maybe?

Reply
Timothy Green October 13, 2023 - 3:15 am

Good article, but I think it could use some more expert opinions maybe? Like, what are the alternatives to military action. Just a thought.

Reply
Robert Lee October 13, 2023 - 10:00 am

The article says there have been no peace talks in over a decade. Thats a big issue. How can anything get resolved without dialogue?

Reply
Anna Brown October 13, 2023 - 1:15 pm

The humanitarian angle is just heartbreaking. Over 1500 Palestinians dead, including women and kids. Where is this gonna end?

Reply
John Doe October 13, 2023 - 7:35 pm

Wow, this is a really in-depth piece. It covers all the complexities of Israel’s situation. But I’m wondering if Israel really has good options here. Seems like a no-win to me.

Reply

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