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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/r1638kxm11e
Dismantling Hamas Has Not Been Achieved
(Ynet News) Dr. Michael Milshtein - Hamas is reasserting governance in Gaza and remains adamantly opposed to disarmament. The central war goal of dismantling Hamas or permanently neutralizing its military capabilities has not been achieved. However, President Trump is blocking renewed combat. Instead, he is pressing for movement into stage two of his Gaza plan. The major obstacles for stage two include Hamas disarmament, deploying a multinational force in Gaza, and the establishment of a governing authority that is not Hamas. Hamas signaled its openness to a new governing authority structure, knowing it could maintain influence behind the scenes, similar to Hizbullah's role in Lebanon. Israelis who expected the war to end with Hamas's eradication now see it intact, influential, and with no credible substitute. As stage two approaches, Israel must prioritize maintaining freedom of action to counter emerging threats from Gaza, similar to its posture in Lebanon; ensuring firm U.S.-led oversight of the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah crossing; and retaining veto power over the composition of any future governing body in Gaza, especially if it includes figures aligned with Hamas. These steps must occur alongside planning for a future comprehensive campaign against Hamas. The writer is head of the Forum for Palestinian Studies at the Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University.