Hamas seeks a ceasefire to rebuild its military and maintain control over Gaza, potentially mirroring Hezbollah’s model in Lebanon. Proposals for governance risk facilitating a precarious situation without addressing Hamas’s military threat. Israel must dismantle Hamas completely and retain operational control in Gaza before considering future governance arrangements, ensuring regional security and preventing terrorism resurgence.
Hamas currently seeks a ceasefire to rejuvenate its military capabilities and solidify its political influence in the Gaza Strip. The organization intends to replicate a governance model similar to that of Hezbollah in Lebanon, where it would maintain military control while presenting an image of legitimate authority. This strategy would enable Hamas to regroup and potentially initiate further conflict against Israel at a strategically advantageous time.
There are various proposals for political governance in Gaza, including suggestions from Egypt advocating for the Palestinian Authority to assume control temporarily. However, these approaches risk establishing a precarious situation reminiscent of the one in Lebanon, as they do not address Hamas’s ongoing military threat, which remains unneutralized by Israeli operations.
During a recent summit in Cairo, Egyptian President Fateh El-Sisi articulated opposition to the forced removal of Palestinians and voiced support for an independent Palestinian state. He outlined a plan for an administrative committee comprising technocrats to temporarily manage Gaza until the Palestinian Authority could reassume its role. Yet, the proposal lacks clarity on how Hamas would be excluded from authority.
Reports indicate that Hamas, under Egyptian pressure, has purportedly consented to cede control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. However, reactions from Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s spokesperson, have dismissed this possibility. Despite claiming openness to form a governing coalition, Hamas’s actions suggest an intent to retain its dominance.
The model Hamas is purportedly considering draws inspiration from Hezbollah’s leverage in Lebanon, wherein Hezbollah wielded military authority despite the existence of a nominally independent government. This setup allowed Hezbollah to manipulate Lebanon’s governmental processes while maintaining its status as the predominant military power. Israel cannot ignore the risks of such a scenario unfolding in Gaza, as it could significantly obstruct decisive military actions against Hamas.
If Hamas successfully establishes a similar arrangement in Gaza, it would be able to utilize a ceasefire as a means to reconstruct its military capabilities while utilizing the façade of authority to defend against Israeli interventions. The repeated actions by Hezbollah in Lebanon emphasize the dangers of allowing Hamas to grow unchecked under the guise of legitimate governance.
For Israel, the only viable option is to regain military presence and control in Gaza, ensuring the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military infrastructure. This would involve not only the eradication of its command structure but also maintaining long-term operational capacity within Gaza to prevent future rearmament by Hamas.
Ultimately, moderate governance in Gaza may be considered only after Israel secures its territory and is afforded unrestricted operational freedom to conduct counterterrorism efforts. Until that is achieved, any governance bestowed upon Gaza that does not dismantle Hamas will lack genuine significance.
Yaakov Lappin is an expert in military affairs, providing critical insights for notable defense publications.
In conclusion, the necessity for Israel to decisively defeat Hamas in Gaza is paramount to ensure regional stability. Should Hamas establish a governance model akin to Hezbollah’s in Lebanon, it would compromise Israel’s security. Instead, Israel must focus on dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities while retaining operational freedom within Gaza. Only then can a more moderate governance structure for Gaza be envisioned, contingent on the elimination of Hamas’s influence.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com
