This article argues that Israel’s strategy wrongly focuses on Iran while underestimating the ideological motivations of Hamas. The author emphasizes the necessity of addressing Gaza to confront radical ideologies effectively, suggesting that misunderstanding these dynamics poses a significant risk to regional and global security.
The widely accepted doctrine among Israeli military and political leadership—”Hamas is deterred”—has been challenged in light of the October 7 attacks. Despite past reassurances suggesting that Hamas would not engage in violence due to economic interests, the brutal events revealed that its motivations are rooted in identity, religion, and ideology. This misjudgment persists in current strategic discussions, leading to an overemphasis on Iran as the primary adversary.
This narrative has transformed into the “Head of the Snake” doctrine, which places Iran at the center of Israel’s strategic focus. Discussions among security bodies now prioritize countering Iran, viewing it as the source of all threats to the region. This approach neglects the fact that the ideological motives driving enemies like Hamas extend beyond mere state interests.
Importantly, Iran’s regime views the nation merely as a tool for furthering global jihad, prioritizing religious ideologies over national identity. This indicates that the real enemy is not limited to geographical borders or specific military groups but is instead a pervasive religious ideology. Such ideologies foster organizations that can regenerate even after facing military defeats.
The geopolitical implications of this understanding are profound. The focus should ideally shift to Gaza’s situation rather than Iran’s, as the latter is not the immediate threat. If Hamas’s ideology prevails, it serves as a potent symbol of the West’s inability to contend with radical Islamic ideologies, potentially emboldening similar movements globally.
The challenges faced by the West, including targeting radical ideologies and understanding the need for territorial control, underscore the importance of addressing threats posed by radicalization within Gaza. To secure victory, Israel must prepare to confront ideological adversaries in a more direct manner, reminiscent of past military strategies used against totalitarian regimes.
Regrettably, there has been a strategic retreat in Gaza, and current discussions among leaders, particularly between Netanyahu and Trump, continue to emphasize the focus on Iran and Saudi Arabia. This essential battle against the true ideological enemy should not be overlooked, as it is fundamentally tied to Israel’s security and the broader fight against radicalism in the region.
This opinion piece critiques the Israeli government’s focus on Iran as the chief adversary, arguing that a misunderstanding of Hamas as primarily economically motivated has led to disastrous consequences. The author, MK Amit Halevi, highlights that the ideology driving Hamas and similar organizations is inherently religious and not merely political or economic. The analysis highlights the implications of such ideological battles on regional security and the necessity for a reevaluation of Israel’s strategic priorities.
In summary, the notion that Iran is the principal enemy has led to critical misperceptions regarding groups like Hamas. The ideology fueling radical groups poses a significant threat not just to Israel, but to global stability. A reassessment of strategic priorities is essential, advocating for immediate focus on Gaza to confront the ideological challenges facing the West. The longer this misdirection continues, the more it undermines effective responses to contemporary threats.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
