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Hamas Must Not Remain the Dominant Power in Gaza
(Israel Hayom) Meir Ben Shabbat - There are no good options in a postwar Gaza. Policymakers will have to adopt a realistic approach toward the monstrous entity sitting on the other side of the Gaza border, which has dug its claws deep into all aspects of life and layers of the population. It must be assumed that it is not readily possible to generate any profound cultural change - at least in this generation. With an extremely high percentage of support for Hamas, as long as a strong, organized, and armed core remains in Gaza, it will clearly continue to be the dominant power there, whatever the identity of the entity that is officially charged with running civil affairs there. Therefore, it is imperative to conclude this war with a decisive victory and on terms that will prevent the terrorist organization's renewed growth. The demilitarization of Gaza and Israel's freedom of action there is a basic underlying condition for any future state of affairs. It is important to be extremely cautious of a puppet government that will simply become a tool to be exploited by Hamas. Hamas' power among the Gazan population, which pervades all aspects of life, and its military strength will not allow any other entity to bypass it. Any player who decides not to cooperate with Hamas will be regarded by large swathes of the local population as illegitimate. Israel will have to ensure the following: Security for the Israeli communities located along the border with Gaza. Prevention of acts of terrorism and military attacks. Preventing any military armament, smuggling, or manufacture of weapons. Preventing any military frameworks or exercises. Preventing Hamas' return to power. The writer, head of the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy in Jerusalem, served as Israel's National Security Advisor and head of the National Security Council.