Israel‘s Shift in Strategy Risks Prolonging Gaza War, Experts warn
Gaza City - A hardening of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu’s stance, rejecting interim deals and demanding a comprehensive resolution to the conflict with hamas, coupled with a mobilization of forces aimed at occupying the heart of Gaza City, is likely to extend the duration of the war, according to analysis from political and military experts. The shift comes after previous indications of potential negotiation for a phased agreement.
The change in approach raises concerns about escalating the conflict and diminishing prospects for a swift resolution, impacting both Israeli and palestinian civilians and potentially destabilizing the wider region. Experts suggest that achieving the stated goals of dismantling hamas’s military and administrative capabilities and securing the disarmament of Gaza may prove unattainable, further prolonging the fighting.
According to reports, tens of thousands of Israeli reserve soldiers have been called up in preparation for an intensified offensive. Netanyahu has pledged to continue fighting until israel decisively defeats Hamas. However, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides, argues that Netanyahu has set an “impractical goal,” suggesting a more realistic definition of success would be preventing a repeat of the October 7th attacks.
“October 7 will not be repeated again,” Nides stated, advocating for a revised understanding of achievable outcomes.
Experts also point to the limited leverage the U.S.administration,including former President Donald Trump,may have in influencing Netanyahu’s strategy,despite a recent shift in the Trump administration’s position on negotiations.
Mickey Zohar, a conservative Likud minister aligned with Netanyahu, affirmed the government’s new position on Saturday, stating to Israeli television, “There is no longer an option for a partial agreement…The only thing on the agenda is to end the war, as well as restore all hostages, of course, and disarm from the Gaza Strip.”
Shira Evron, an expert on Israeli policy at the Rand Corporation, cautioned that pursuing a comprehensive agreement will likely “mean more postponement and prolonging the war.” The current trajectory suggests a protracted conflict with uncertain prospects for a lasting resolution.
