Palestinian radical group Hamas plans to trap the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and force them to remain trapped in the Gaza Strip. David Harden, former USAID mission director in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, concluded this in his New York Times column.
According to Harden, Hamas knew that the October 7 attack would leave Israeli authorities no choice and force them to resort to a ground operation in which the IDF would have no clear advantage: military superiority in urban conflicts is greatly reduced.
“It seems that Hamas wants to drag Israeli soldiers into the quagmire, just like Hezbollah did in southern Lebanon from 1985 to 2000. After years of conflict, Israel suffered a humiliating and chaotic retreat, leaving a powerful and threatening Hezbollah behind on its northern border.
Harden believes Hamas is confident of victory in the war of attrition in Gaza. He also writes that if the IDF offensive stops, the group could expand its influence in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials are already sharing plans for the post-war period: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu statedHe said that the Israeli army would disarm Gaza and keep it under control for a while.
Previously Hamas asked Arab countries are establishing control near Gaza to fight against Israel and the USA.
Source: Gazeta
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