Israel's Big Decision: Time to Take Hamas Out?

Israel's Big Decision: Time to Take Hamas Out?

07/30/14

Matthew S. Cohen

Military Strategy, Defense, Security, Israel, Palestinian territories

"The removal of Hamas, an organization that firmly rejects all compromise or accommodation, would enhance the odds that peace could be achieved."

Israel is faced with two opportunities that could help ensure its security for generations. While each offers great challenges, the failure to achieve them both will haunt Israel.

First, Israel has the chance to remove Hamas’ terrorist government from power; it must take this opportunity. Hamas has never been weaker. Arab nations are distracted by their own unrest following the “Arab Spring” and have turned away from supporting Hamas. New governments are attempting to manage the ongoing threats to their control or power. These factors make Arab states less sympathetic to Hamas or interested in Israel.

Some Arab nations and groups would actually like to see Hamas removed from power. While the Palestinian Authority has publicly stated it wants a cease-fire, they would likely be happy to regain control of Gaza from Hamas. Saudi Arabian media has offered stinging criticism of Hamas, saying Hamas’ actions in escalating the conflict have been “unreasonable and irresponsible.” The Saudi media has argued that Hamas has been willing to sacrifice the lives of Gaza’s citizens by “exposing them to inevitable attacks.”

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