Hamas intends to establish control over Gaza reminiscent of Hezbollah’s dominance in Lebanon, aiming for a ceasefire to rebuild its military strength. Israel faces pressure from proposals that may inadvertently enable this outcome. Thorough military engagement is necessary to dismantle Hamas’s power structure and ensure regional stability.
Hamas aims to conclude the ongoing conflict while preserving its military dominance in Gaza, resembling Hezbollah’s pre-war supremacy in Lebanon. Israel must resist any proposals that facilitate this, even amid potential Egyptian pressure. Currently, Hamas’s chief objective is to achieve a ceasefire to survive the war, rebuild its military strength, and solidify its control over the Gaza Strip.
To realize these goals, Hamas has expressed interest in establishing a governance framework in Gaza akin to Hezbollah’s previous control in Lebanon. This plan would involve creating a government recognized internationally, which would provide a pretense of authority while Hamas retains the actual military and political power on the ground. This strategy would enable Hamas to regroup and subsequently reignite hostilities against Israel at its discretion.
Various proposals have been circulated in the region, such as Egypt’s recommendation for the Palestinian Authority to assume control through a technocratic government. Other suggestions, including a coalition-led governance in Gaza, would risk reinstating a Lebanon-like scenario, especially since Israel’s military operations against Hamas remain incomplete.
During a recent summit in Cairo, Egyptian President Fateh El-Sisi remarked, “Egypt objects to the eviction of Palestinians and supports their right to remain in their land. We will not take part in these plans.” Egypt’s roadmap for Gaza proposes an interim rule by a coalition of states, yet it lacks clarity on how Hamas could be marginalized or who would finance the territory’s reconstruction.
Despite several reports indicating that Hamas may accept these arrangements, it is evident the group intends to maintain its stronghold over Gaza. Speculations suggest Hamas agreed to relinquish control under Egyptian pressure amid ceasefire negotiations, yet this remains highly contested, with Israeli officials rejecting such claims.
The model Hamas appears set to imitate is that of Hezbollah, which sustained military control while operating under a semblance of Lebanese governance. This setup allowed Hezbollah to dictate security policies and wield veto power, all while the Lebanese government played a nominal role of legitimacy.
Should Hamas succeed in applying a similar structure within Gaza, it would rearm while limiting Israeli defenses due to international perceptions of a recognized governing authority. Any Israeli efforts to subdue Hamas would likely provoke global criticism on sovereignty violations, hindering actionable results.
The potential implications of such an arrangement are grave. A ceasefire would grant Hamas the chance to re-arm with Iranian weapons and enhance military capabilities, paralleling Hezbollah’s tactic of using an established government as a protective shield against Israeli military initiatives.
Consequently, only a return to military intervention by Israel could ensure Hamas’s total defeat. Israel must maintain long-term control over Gaza to guarantee the dismantling of Hamas’s military framework. This includes allowing operational freedom for counterterrorism efforts throughout the territory to preclude future threats to Israel.
Hamas’s strategy to secure a ceasefire while maintaining control over Gaza mirrors Hezbollah’s historical dominance in Lebanon. Israel must avoid facilitating this dangerous outcome. The creation of governance that allows Hamas to regroup under a façade of authority could lead to prolonged instability. A decisive military campaign is essential for Israel to eliminate Hamas’s capabilities and establish lasting security in the region.
Original Source: besacenter.org
