We Must Not Acquiesce

There are currently at least three major obstacles Israel is facing in achieving its goals of eliminating Hamas and taking control of the Gaza strip:

1) Hamas’ leverage of hostages.

Israel must not let Hamas dictate the future of the war. While I cannot imagine the pain and suffering of the hostages and their loved ones, we cannot go back to haggling over cease-fires with Hamas, which they will use to their fullest advantage by manipulating the terms. This would also give Hamas time to reorganize and let Sinwar and his aides escape Gaza while declaring victory in the war. This exiled Hamas leadership would still haunt Israel in the future.

Instead, we have a chance to free our hostages by increasing military pressure and surrounding Hamas strongholds, thereby forcing Hamas to surrender and free additional hostages. As we have seen time and again, showing any signs of weakness gives our enemies strength to attack.

2) Side effects from U.S. support.

The U.S. has been a staunch supporter of Israel throughout this war. However, this support is not unconditional. Recently, the White House has gently but firmly urged a softer military advance, with more care for the civilian population. Blinken and other U.S. officials are visiting Israel continually to “advise” Israel on its military activities.

While the U.S. certainly supports Israel, they also have kept up steady support for the Palestinians in order to quell international pressure. This support adds pressure & complexity to Israel’s commitment to finish the job in Gaza.

3) The antisemitic nature of the world.

This problem has perpetually haunted Israel from its very beginning. Despite all of our efforts to display our humanity and integrity, the reality remains that Israel is viewed by many as apartheid and illegitimate. This baseless trend has influenced the world’s political and economic pasture. Despite recent warming of relations, Arab and Muslim countries are quick to blame Israel for any conflict, even the current war.

With all of this, Israel may have no choice but to corner Hamas and drive a peg into the heart of its ways of hate & terror, before they can come out of hiding and commit more atrocities.