Itamar Ben-Gvir demands total war on Gaza to secure hostages' release

In the wake of the October 7 attacks, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has articulated a decisive stance towards the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He suggested that a total war approach must be taken to compel Hamas and affiliated groups to release the 59 hostages still held. This approach includes bombarding Hamas-controlled food warehouses and targeting Gaza's electric infrastructure, a method Ben-Gvir believes is necessary to disrupt supplies and motivation within the Hamas ranks. He emphasized this strategy during a radio appearance, asserting the need for Israel to act like a 'normal country' by taking strong military actions against what he describes as a terrorist organization. In his remarks, Ben-Gvir highlighted testimonies from previously released hostages who indicated that despite the presence of food supplies — tons of food trucks — they did not receive adequate nourishment while in captivity. His call for aggression aligns with a shift in Israeli defense policy following the October attacks, leading to a more unilateral stance regarding military actions. This new doctrine prioritizes retaining strategic control over key geographic regions and emphasizes a forceful method to dismantle Hamas’ governance capabilities. The long-standing conflict has seen a deterioration in relations between Israel and Hamas, with previous ceasefire agreements no longer seen as viable. Instead, the Israeli government, led by a coalition that includes Ben-Gvir’s faction, has shifted to a policy that values aggressive military engagement as a means to ensure security. Israel seeks not just to neutralize Hamas as a military force but to eliminate its political and social influence within Gaza, which is a significant shift in the security paradigm for the region. Ben-Gvir’s return to government following a brief withdrawal signifies the internal challenges within Israeli politics regarding how to best handle the Gaza situation. His firm stance accentuates a broader narrative where Israel is increasingly reliant on military solutions rather than diplomatic negotiations. The implications of such a strategy could reshape the landscape of Israeli-Palestinian relations for years to come, especially if the military actions do not yield favorable outcomes regarding the hostages or overall regional stability.