Since the attack on Israeli civilians carried out by Hamas during a music festival, Israel has expanded its military operations more and more into Gaza, raising concerns regarding both the impact on Palestinians and the impact it will have internationally.
The terrorist attack on the 7th of October has enabled the IDF to carry out massive attacks in Gaza, but has not yet engaged in a full-scale invasion. While the United States would prefer Israel to carry out targeted attacks, both by air and ground, to reduce the casualties among civilians, some analysts have stated that an invasion is likely to happen and would generate a new generation of radicalized Palestinians. In the pursuit of eradicating Hamas, Israel will face a new generation of people who will resent the military invasion and who will nurture anti-Israeli sentiments.
Despite the initial emotional impact of the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas, as videos and news of Israeli bombardments in Gaza emerge more and more often, the public’s opinion has taken a turn into the favour of the people of Palestine, calling for a cease fire in the area.
Another aspect the IDF needs to take into consideration, in case it decides to conduct a ground invasion, is the short and long term security issues it will generate, with reverberations far beyond Gaza. No matter the end result of the incursion, it will take a toll on Israel’s short and long term security. First of all, such a large deployment of forces will make Israel vulnerable to potential attacks conducted by Iran, which is why the United States sent more troops in the area. Second, Hamas tactics will likely result in great casualties amongst the Palestinian civilians, which will affect Israel’s long-term strategy in the region. Israel does not only have to defeat Hamas, but also live in harmony with the Palestinian people after the conflict will have ended.
All in all, by the end of this conflict, Israel’s security strategy will have been tested and put to trial by Hamas. The cooperation between the USA and Israel will likely remain as strong as ever, and it is up to these countries to adjust accordingly to this threat and create a better future in the region, both for the Palestinians and for Israeli people.