Netanyahu's strategy risks further escalation in Gaza conflict

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which escalated after Hamas's initial attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to significant casualties, with tens of thousands reported dead. Israeli officials have made it clear that they believe Hamas should no longer govern Gaza, which has been the case for the past 17 years. The Israeli government asserts that military pressure is essential for Hamas to even consider negotiations regarding the release of hostages taken during the conflict. They envision a post-war Gaza that is de-radicalized and demilitarized, ideally under international supervision and with the involvement of moderate Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. However, the feasibility of these ambitions is frequently questioned, as the human cost of the conflict continues to rise. During negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchange in January, hopes emerged for an end to the violence, yet these plans were obstructed when Netanyahu backed out of the agreement, resuming military actions in mid-March. This reflects a broader policy dilemma: Netanyahu is hesitant to soften his demands for fear of appearing weak, yet he struggles to fully mobilize the Israel Defense Forces to achieve his objectives. The situation reveals the inherent contradictions in Netanyahu's strategy and raises concerns over the humanitarian impact of prolonged military engagement in Gaza.