|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-878947
Only Israel Can Finish Off Hamas
(Jerusalem Post) Ohad Tal - The second stage of President Trump's plan for Gaza includes dismantling Hamas. An external force would be tasked with taking away Hamas's weapons, destroying what remains of the vast tunnel network, and eliminating any other terror infrastructure. However, the feasibility of any regional or international actor prepared to confront Hamas on Israel's behalf is close to none. International institutions are even less capable, as Israel has learned from "peacekeeping forces" on its borders with Lebanon and Syria. The Palestinian Authority refuses to denounce Hamas, glorifies and funds terrorism, educates children to hate Jews, and lacks both legitimacy and operational capacity. It cannot impose governance in parts of Judea and Samaria under its nominal control; it certainly cannot assert authority in Gaza after years of Hamas domination. Israel does not enjoy the burden of fighting in Gaza. However, the reality is that it is the only force capable of removing Hamas's remaining military capabilities. The alternative is allowing the terror group to recover and pose a renewed threat to Israeli communities. We simply cannot ignore these threats. Israel must finish the mission, out of necessity. The responsibility lies with us alone. The writer is a member of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.