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Source: https://www.jns.org/opinion/meir-ben-shabbat/keep-the-gas-on-the-counterterrorism-pedal
Israel Must Maintain Freedom of Action to Eliminate Terrorists Wherever They May Be
(JNS) Meir Ben Shabbat - In Gaza and Lebanon, Israel is compelled to play the diplomatic game being led by Washington in order to continue enjoying its support and avoid being portrayed as the recalcitrant party. But Israel must not allow that to constrain its freedom of action to destroy terrorist infrastructure and eliminate terrorists wherever they may be. Despite the efforts of the U.S., Hamas has no intention to disarm. Hamas views the diplomatic talks merely as leverage to drive the IDF out of Gaza, without relinquishing either its military power or its ruling infrastructure. What disrupts the ability of Hizbullah and Hamas to build up their strength or carry out attacks is the constant pressure of targeted counterterrorism operations. It would therefore be a strategic mistake to ease that pressure. As long as Hizbullah and Hamas remain under a constant Israeli threat, their senior leaders and operatives are forced to take security precautions that complicate their daily operations. To prevent a surprise attack against Israel, it is essential to deny the enemy the ability to organize and prepare. Reducing counterterrorism operations will give the enemy the confidence and sense of immunity that it currently lacks. Israel must not relinquish its freedom of action to conduct counterterrorism operations; it cannot withdraw from any territory currently held before the terrorist groups have been dismantled; and it should respond forcefully to every attack or attempt to attack Israel. The writer, head of the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy, headed Israel's National Security Council (2017-2021) and served for 25 years in the Israel Security Agency.