Why Israel Needs to Bomb Gaza to Eradicate Hamas Threats

The strategic and military questions surrounding the necessity of bombing Gaza to eliminate Hamas threats are complex and multifaceted. Critics often ask whether Israel's objectives can be achieved through other means, such as border reinforcements and military presence. However, the reality on the ground clearly indicates that isolated border security cannot address the persistent threat of rocket attacks and tunnel networks utilized by Hamas.

The Ineffectiveness of Border Reinforcements

Historically, Israel has relied on border reinforcements for decades, but such strategies have proven insufficient. The fact that Hamas can continue to launch thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians, despite the presence of soldiers on borders, highlights the limitations of this approach. Moreover, the recent incident on 7/10, where Hamas planned and executed coordinated attacks, further underscores the vulnerability of Israeli citizens. The Iranian proxies also pose a significant threat, constantly launching rockets at Israel. These factors collectively suggest that border reinforcement alone is not a viable solution to mitigate the ongoing attacks and security challenges.

Redefining the Comparison: David and Goliath Warfare

The analogy of David and Goliath is often used to describe Hamas' asymmetric warfare tactics. Unlike conventional military confrontations, Hamas employs guerrilla tactics, such as ambushes in tunnels, churches, schools, and hospitals. By using these tactics, Hamas can achieve significant battlefield advantages despite being outnumbered. For instance, a carefully planned ambush by 5-6 men against 30-40 men can result in the deaths of 10-15 men while losing only 1 or 2. This asymmetric warfare is why direct military confrontations cannot be solely relied upon to neutralize the Hamas threat.

Military Targets and the Importance of Bombing

Another critical aspect to consider is the military nature of certain targets. According to the Geneva Convention, schools, churches, and hospitals used for military attacks are legitimate military targets. As such, any Hamas-affiliated forces using such locations for military purposes are subject to legitimate attacks. Israel's decision to bomb Hamas's military infrastructure is thus a necessary action to eliminate the threat and prevent further attacks. The criticism that too much attention is given to civilians is misplaced, as in the context of asymmetric warfare, distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants is often challenging.

Ensuring Total Elimination of Threats

The primary goal of Israel's military objectives is to ensure the complete destruction of Hamas and its extensive tunnel network. Any residual threat to civilians must be eradicated to prevent future attacks. This approach underscores the responsibility of Israel to ensure that every effort is made to eliminate the threat, even if it means significant loss of life. The uncompromising stance taken by Israel is based on the belief that any remaining Hamas terrorist poses a continuing threat. Similarly, individuals who choose to shield these terrorists are guilty of the same crimes and are justifiable targets in this conflict.

The historical context of border reinforcements over the past 40 years cannot be overlooked. Israel's desire for a more active defense has grown increasingly pressing as the Hamas threat has evolved and intensified. This active defense includes not only border controls but also targeted bombing missions to dismantle Hamas's infrastructure and tunnel networks. The previous attempts, such as the 7/10 incident, have demonstrated the need for more aggressive measures to counteract the asymmetric warfare tactics employed by Hamas.

The ongoing rocket fire from Gaza and the potential for new attacks highlight the necessity of finding a lasting solution. Israel's approach, while controversial, aims to address the root causes of the conflict and protect its citizens from further threats. The international community, including the United Nations, has a role to play in supporting Israel in achieving these objectives while adhering to international law and norms.

For Israel, the goal is clear: to ensure the total elimination of the Hamas threat, regardless of the costs. This includes both military strikes and other measures to dismantle the network of tunnels and strongholds used by Hamas. The hope is that this comprehensive approach will lead to a more secure and stable region, free from the threat of asymmetric warfare tactics.