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Source: https://www.jns.org/israels-choices-in-gaza-all-lead-to-the-destruction-of-the-hamas-regime/
Israel's Choices in Gaza All Lead to the Destruction of the Hamas Regime
(JNS) Yaakov Lappin - Israel's security cabinet will have to order a major ground maneuver in order to destroy the Hamas terror army and regime, following the horrific war crimes it rained down on Israeli communities. Any action short of this would undermine Israel's strategic standing in the Middle East and form a green light for Hizbullah, Iran and other adversaries to attack as well. The security cabinet released a statement on Sunday that its goal is "to achieve the destruction of the military and governing capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in a way that will preclude their ability and willingness to threaten and attack the citizens of Israel for many years." None of those goals can be accomplished from the air alone. The cleansing of Gaza will involve intense urban warfare, destroying Hamas' terrorist squads in their bunkers, tunnels and multi-story buildings. To put things in perspective, Operation Defensive Shield, launched by Israel in Judea and Samaria in 2002 following a murderous wave of Palestinian suicide bombings and shootings, took three years to complete. The option of withdrawing from Gaza in a number of months and enabling Hamas to rear its head again seems unfathomable after Saturday's mass slaughter.