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Israel's Strategic Security Objective in Gaza Is Demilitarization

(Israel Hayom) Meir Ben Shabbat - The ceasefire agreement has breathed new fighting spirit into Hamas's leadership and members. Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas's political bureau who led its negotiating team, promised the struggle would continue until complete victory. Hamas in Gaza will exploit the ceasefire to revitalize their personnel, smuggle and manufacture weapons, reassert control over the population, and maximize political gains from the release of operatives in Gaza, the West Bank, and regionally. Israel cannot allow the existence of combat forces, means, and military capabilities that threaten its citizens' security. Complete demilitarization of Gaza means denying Hamas and other organizations their military operational capabilities. Alternatives to Hamas rule won't be acceptable to Israel until demilitarization is achieved. The Palestinian Authority recently concluded a six-week operation in Jenin. The operation ended with reconciliation between the PA and the "Jenin Battalion," providing another proof of the PA's limited capabilities. Hamas is riding the wave of joy and elation following the release of its operatives from Israeli prison and calling for "escalation of resistance" from the West Bank. The writer, a former Israeli national security advisor and head of the National Security Council, served for 30 years in the Israel Security Agency.
2025-01-26 00:00:00
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