Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being criticized for not having a clear strategy to prevent the return of Hamas following military operations in Gaza, as reported by senior U.S. and Israeli officials. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need for a strategic end game connected to any military operation to ensure a better future for both the Palestinian people and Israel.
There is ongoing tension within Israel regarding President Joe Biden’s opposition to a major Israel Defense Forces operation in Rafah. Netanyahu believes this operation is crucial for victory in the conflict, despite concerns that it may not fully defeat Hamas without a political plan for Gaza’s future.
Netanyahu defended his approach, outlining a three-stage process to target Hamas battalions in Rafah, conduct mop-up operations, and eventually establish civilian administration unconnected to Hamas in Gaza. However, his plan has drawn criticism from both Biden and senior Israeli officials, with IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi warning of the need for a diplomatic process to prevent repeated military campaigns against Hamas.
Despite mounting pressure, Netanyahu remains adamant about his approach, insisting that destroying Hamas battalions is a critical step in limiting their influence. Sullivan urged Netanyahu to consider the broader strategic implications of military actions in Gaza and emphasized the importance of a political process to prevent the resurgence of Hamas in the region.
