(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Ephraim Kam - At the end of Operation Pillar of Defense both sides claimed victory. Israel dealt a heavy blow to the rocket systems of Hamas and the other organizations in Gaza. Many of the commanding officers and fighters were killed or injured. The IDF proved that it has high-quality intelligence, helping it avoid unnecessary civilian casualties. Hamas' view underscores its survival despite its losses, its actualization of the threat of rockets reaching Tel Aviv, as well as its rocket system's residual capability, the support it received from the Gaza population, and its political successes. As Hamas and the other organizations succeed in rebuilding their rocket capabilities, they will increasingly be tempted to provoke Israel once again. Hamas cannot ignore the impact of the other organizations in Gaza. Given Iran's ties with Islamic Jihad and Hamas' growing dependence on Iran's promised military and economic aid, Iran will stir the pot in Gaza and will likely push for radicalism. Dr. Ephraim Kam, Deputy Director of the Institute for National Security Studies, served as a colonel in the Research Division of IDF Military Intelligence.
2013-01-04 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive