I have read much in the Israeli English press on the Gaza War. Others see what I am writing here. We could call this the Hostage war because of how this war was fought. It was very much focused on saving the hostages. The war was fought as a workaround due to the hostages
On strictly a strategy of war, the way to really win was to fully defeat Hamas. That would require a full occupation, just like with Japan and Germany after World War II. This could have been accomplished in less than a year. However, probably all of the hostages would have been killed. So, Israel’s work around had still killed most Hamas leaders, gotten most of the hostages out, sadly required releasing many terrorists, and now has taken over 70% of Gaza. The hostages are the emotionally charged issue beyond what those who do not live here can imagine.
This delayed war has enabled Hamas to win the propaganda war. It is doubtful that Israel can ever recover from the lies of Hamas about this war. But now comes the real D-Day for Israel. Will she finally conquer the last 30% and have a period of full occupation? Israel’s military leaders seem against this. It is amazing that Israel’s Generals have been quoted as against it. But then, will not Hamas survive to fight another day? It is amazing that the military/cabinet meetings are leaked. This is not good. Some say Bibi only pursues full occupation due to his radical right, B. Smotrich and Ben Gvir. It is a factor, but I think Bibi has come to believe that full occupation for a season is the only answer. In this, there will be more loss of support from the populations in the U. S. and Europe, and also a loss of support in Israel as well. Everyone who reads this needs to read “The Secrets Apparatus” by Cynthia Farahat. This book on the Muslim Brotherhood shows what Israel is really up against, and the rest of the world as well.
I am glad I am not the Prime Minister.