The article critiques Israeli leadership for prioritizing Iran over Hamas in national defense strategies, emphasizing that Hamas is motivated by radical ideology rather than economic interests. It argues that military operations and strategies should focus on Gaza first, as the fight against radical Islamic ideology is central to Israel’s security and stability.
The concept known as the Eleventh Commandment—”Hamas is deterred”—has been firmly embedded in the minds of Israelis, especially those in security forums. This belief is rooted in a reductionist perspective that perceives Hamas primarily as an entity motivated by socio-economic factors, suggesting its leaders would avoid conflict to preserve their wealth and interests. However, this perspective fails to account for the ideological commitments that drive Hamas’ actions.
The catastrophic events of October 7 revealed a grim reality: violence and atrocities committed by Hamas showcased the group’s true motivations. Nevertheless, the Israeli leadership persists in adhering to outdated narratives, failing to recognize Hamas as a religiously motivated adversary. Rather than evolving from the disheartening refrain that Hamas is deterred, it has instead transitioned to a focus on Iran as the principal enemy, deemed the “Head of the Snake.”
The Israeli defense posture now centers on the belief that eliminating Iranian influence will solve regional threats. This ideology is encapsulated in assessments that minimize ground forces while prioritizing countermeasures against Iran. Yet, even Iranian leaders themselves lack a sense of national pride, seeing their nation merely as a means to a greater revolutionary end.
The fundamental threat is religious ideology, a force that transcends state boundaries and military capabilities. This ideology fosters organizations like Hamas, which can regenerate even after suffering significant setbacks. The ultimate challenge for Israel is to confront this ideological threat, not merely military foes, leading to the critical viewpoint that Gaza should be prioritized over Iran in strategic considerations.
The events of October 7 serve as a crucial indicator of the West’s capability to counter radical Islamic ideology. The inability to achieve victory in Gaza would have global ramifications, signaling weakness to adversaries. Moreover, the real and immediate threats to Israel’s existence arise from radical movements aiming for conquest and destruction, not simply from missile assaults.
Hamas’ operational capacity is mirrored by similar groups across the region, necessitating a well-equipped Israeli ground force prepared to reclaim territory and exert control. Regrettably, recent trends indicate a retreat from Gaza, as discussions among Israeli leadership gravitate towards the diminished threat posed by Iran rather than confronting the immediate challenges posed by Hamas.
In summation, the Israeli political and military strategy must recalibrate by recognizing the ideological roots of terrorism. Continued focus on Iran distracts from the existential threat posed by groups like Hamas, where real dominance must first be secured in Gaza to ascertain Israel’s broader stability.
This analysis critically examines the Israeli leadership’s strategic focus on Iran as the primary adversary rather than addressing the existential threats posed by Hamas and radical Islamic ideology. The belief that Hamas is deterred has persisted, despite evidence to the contrary, culminating in strategic miscalculations. The article argues that a reevaluation of priorities is essential to counteract the more immediate challenges present in Gaza and surrounding regions.
The Israeli leadership must urgently reassess its strategic priorities to effectively confront the ideological roots of terrorism. Focusing solely on Iran diverts attention from the urgent and significant threats posed by groups like Hamas. Achieving victory in Gaza is imperative to demonstrate capability and resolve against radical Islamic ideologies, which threaten not only Israel but the broader Western world.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
