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Source: http://www.inss.org.il/publication/looking-gaza-strip-short-term-long-term/
Israel's Interests Regarding Gaza
(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Kim Lavi and Udi Dekel - Over the last year, Hamas has improved its strategic situation vis-a-vis Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Since his selection as chairman of Hamas' Political Bureau in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar has changed the nature of the struggle from a focus on the religious-nationalist aspect to progress in the humanitarian-civil realm. Rocket fire was replaced with mass marches along the border fence and incendiary balloons and kites. Gaza is governed by a terror organization that is hostile to Israel. Thus Israel's current policy is to prevent Hamas' military buildup and exert pressure on it. The goal is to create deterrence that will prevent Hamas from using force, while at the same time designating it as the responsible address for actions in Gaza. Kim Lavi is a research assistant at INSS, where Brig.-Gen. (res.) Udi Dekel is Managing Director.