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Kerem Shalom Attack Proves Rafah Action Is Necessary

(Israel Hayom) Meir Ben Shabbat - The barrage of rockets and mortars towards Kerem Shalom on Sunday that killed four IDF soldiers is Hamas' response to those who question the necessity of an Israeli military operation in the Rafah area. The results of the attack also illustrate the danger of prolonged waiting and hesitation on the Israeli side. Hamas draws great encouragement from the attitude of the U.S. regarding the war in Gaza. The Biden administration is striving to end the war through a deal involving the release of the Israeli hostages, without achieving any of Israel's objectives; a deal that would allow Hamas to recover militarily and upgrade its status not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank and the region as a whole. In the meantime, this administration is tying Israel's hands from taking action in Rafah, forcing it to increase humanitarian aid despite it reaching Hamas' control, pressing it to open the Erez Crossing that was attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7, and implement ideas like the maritime corridor the terrorist organization could only dream of. In addition, it allows the international community to make decisions that undermine Israel's status and hints that the stockpile of pressure tactics at its disposal has not yet been exhausted. All that remains for Hamas is to continue insisting on its exaggerated demands in the negotiations, buy time, exploit the supply to equip its fighters, re-establish its rule, and prepare its forces for the continuation of the campaign. Israel must act forcefully to crush Hamas in Rafah and shape a new reality in the area, without relying on international arrangements that have never proved themselves. The writer, a former Israeli national security advisor, is chairman of the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy in Jerusalem.
2024-05-07 00:00:00
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