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What Should Be Israel's Goal in Gaza?

Submitted by aprpeh on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 18:43
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The best evidence that a very quick final status treaty may well follow an Israeli victory over Hamas is the attempt by Hamas to move against the internal opposition. Fatah, which ironically can condemn the attack (a false show of solidarity) on one hand and be a significant beneficiary on the other will be enhanced both politically and strategically in Gaza even if Hamas is not destroyed. From a pure tactical perspective, destroying Hamas is not in Israel's interest. Balancing out the facts on the ground between Hamas and Fatah is. Hamas's does not count in its goals a political victory against Israel, only one soaked in Jewish blood chas v'shalom.

 

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From a talk a few months ago by Daniel Pipes...

Submitted by aberman on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 19:04.

Pipes said that for decades, Israel had a policy based on deterrence, i.e.: ensuring that their enemies believed that they would pay an unacceptable cost for attacking Israel.  At some point in the late 80's/early 90's, Israel switched to a policy based on appeasement, i.e., trying to give their enemies enough to persuade their enemies to stop attacking them.  It's certainly a legitimate way of doing things, but Pipes believes that that policy is inferior to deterrence in Arab/Israeli conflict.

I share that opinion, and based on that, I believe that Israel's goal in Gaza should be the complete humiliation of Hamas and its supporters including the death or capture of all their senior people down to middle management.  The hangers on, or the poor unwashed who just joined for a job should be treated with some understanding. But as many of the 15,000 men that Hamas has under arms should be killed or captured. All other goals should be secondary and supportive of that main goal.

your position is not that of most israelis nor most palestinians

Submitted by RisingTide on Mon, 01/05/2009 - 12:15.

both of whom want a two state solution negotiated with Hamas and Fatah (and I'd rather see Hamas negotitating, they've got more credibility and are less likely to be seen as quislings).

Israel's conduct here is unacceptable and immoral.

Deterrence works, so long as you are willing to deal with the radiation. I believe the Israelis are, and that they are still using deterrence.

Couldn't Agree More....

Submitted by Cahnman on Mon, 01/05/2009 - 12:43.

I share that opinion, and based on that, I believe that Israel's goal in Gaza should be the complete humiliation of Hamas and its supporters including the death or capture of all their senior people down to middle management.  The hangers on, or the poor unwashed who just joined for a job should be treated with some understanding. But as many of the 15,000 men that Hamas has under arms should be killed or captured. All other goals should be secondary and supportive of that main goal.

It's time to show the Palestinians who's boss.