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Hamas Is Weakened, But Maintains Control of Gaza
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Ido Levy - Despite its severe military degradation, Hamas has largely maintained its grip over Gaza's population. Sustaining the IDF's gains and securing a postwar stabilization mission will require a long military campaign. Israel, the U.S., and Arab partners should assume that Hamas remnants will strive to reassert full control over Gaza - just as jihadist efforts persist in Iraq, Syria, Somalia, and elsewhere. None of the countries that would presumably be involved in peacekeeping missions are likely to sign up while Gaza is still torn by violence. Moreover, failure to impose an enduring defeat on Hamas may allow the rise of younger fighters who are currently gaining valuable combat experience, setting the stage for more arduous battles in the future. So far, Israel appears to be the only actor willing to do the hard fighting that removing Hamas from power necessitates. The writer is an associate fellow at The Washington Institute.