The Biden administration has expressed concerns that Israel is squandering its opportunity to achieve victory against Hamas, potentially missing the chance to eliminate the group’s hold on Gaza and threats to Israeli people. Criticism of Israel’s strategy in Gaza has been mounting, with U.S. officials publicly stating that the Israeli government has failed to hold parts of Gaza after clearing them, has turned the civilian population and the international community against it through widespread bombing, inadequate humanitarian aid, and has enabled Hamas to recruit more fighters. The U.S. had initially kept its criticism private but is now openly pushing Israel to change course to achieve a more sustainable and lasting success against Hamas.
Despite Israel’s statements about the need to eliminate Hamas, recent U.S. intelligence suggests that a complete victory against Hamas is unlikely. While Hamas’s communications and military capabilities have been degraded, only a fraction of its fighters have been killed, and a significant portion of its tunnels remain intact. Hamas has also been able to recruit thousands of new fighters during the conflict, allowing the group to withstand Israeli offensives. The comments by senior U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. C.Q. Brown, highlighting Israel’s failure to protect civilians in Gaza and prevent Hamas from regaining control, have underscored the challenges of achieving a lasting solution in the conflict.
Former U.S. officials with experience in similar campaigns have raised concerns that Israel’s current strategy may backfire and ultimately undermine its goal of defeating Hamas. The failure to address humanitarian needs and protect civilians in conflict zones could lead to a resurgence of Hamas, as the group capitalizes on the worsening conditions and lack of aid in Gaza. Israeli military operations have been criticized for potentially radicalizing individuals and driving more people into the arms of Hamas. The confusion surrounding the IDF’s recent military activities, including operations in densely populated areas like Rafah and Jabalia, has further complicated the situation, with concerns that Hamas could regroup and reestablish control in evacuated areas.
The lack of a comprehensive plan to secure and stabilize cleared areas after military operations could leave the door open for Hamas to return, using classic guerilla tactics to regain ground. The U.S. has emphasized the importance of working with partner forces to maintain control and prevent the resurgence of militant groups like Hamas. Israel has been criticized for not reaching out to Arab nations for assistance in post-conflict stabilization efforts. The failure to address the “day after” scenario early on in the operation raises concerns about the long-term effectiveness of Israel’s campaign against Hamas and the potential for continued violence and conflict in the region.
As the rift between Washington and Jerusalem widens, the Biden administration is urging Israel to refocus its military operations on achieving a sustainable and durable solution against Hamas. The need to balance military objectives with humanitarian considerations and civilian protection is critical to preventing the radicalization of the population and strengthening Hamas’s position. The challenges of defeating Hamas in Gaza highlight the complexities of asymmetric warfare and the importance of comprehensive strategies that address both the military and political dimensions of the conflict. Israel’s current approach has drawn criticism for potentially perpetuating the cycle of violence and instability in the region, underscoring the need for a more holistic and long-term approach to achieving lasting peace and security.
