Unveiling Effective Strategies: Preserving Israel's Interests in the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Frida Ghitis, a former CNN producer and correspondent, offers her opinion on the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. As disturbing details continue to emerge, Ghitis questions if there is a possibility to defy the odds and find a resolution that brings lasting stability. Additionally, she explores the concern of preventing Iran from benefiting as the winner in this devastating war.

Frida Ghitis

In Israel, the current emphasis lies on military and security operations. However, amidst this, there exists a crucial role for diplomats and political leaders both within the region and beyond, considering the long-term implications.

The Israel, US, and international community's agenda, after persuading Egypt to allow Gaza civilians to escape the conflict, should encompass three challenging objectives. These goals aim to establish a safer and more stable aftermath: reconciling the divisions among Israelis, making progress in relations with Palestinian factions supportive of coexistence with Israel, and salvaging the normalization process with Saudi Arabia. Accomplishing these objectives would enhance global security. These ambitions may appear unattainable, even implausible. Nonetheless, as Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, once remarked, "To be a realist, one must believe in miracles."

Who will emerge victorious from this devastating conflict remains uncertain.

The objectives of terrorism are political, with far-reaching global consequences. While the United States may aim to shift its focus away from the Middle East, the region remains resistant to cooperation.

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Iran has long provided support to Hamas in terms of financing and weaponry, making its vested interest in the outcome of the situation clear. At present, neither the US nor Iran has concrete evidence linking Tehran to the attack. However, the White House has labeled Iran as "broadly complicit" in its role as a major sponsor of Hamas. Israel and the US are cautious in their approach, as any definitive accusation could lead to a justification for war, something they wish to avoid at this juncture. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has commended Hamas for their actions, although he publicly denies any involvement in the attacks, perhaps revealing some underlying unease. Paradoxically, this conflict has the potential to bolster Tehran's position as a fiercely fundamentalist, anti-Western dictatorship that has openly threatened the destruction of Israel and actively worked to surround it with militant organizations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, all while suppressing the basic rights of its own people.

The goals of Hamas, as stated in its founding charter, are to destroy Israel, which aligns well with the objectives of Iran's theocracy. Both Iran and the Palestinians are concerned about the increasing ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Although the principal objective of Hamas's operation is uncertain, it is reasonable to believe that one of their motivations is to disrupt this process, especially the potential for friendly relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The attackers undoubtedly anticipate a strong response from Israel, which would aid in derailing the aforementioned process. They aim to show images of Palestinians being killed by Israeli bombs, which would provoke anger and make it extremely challenging, and perhaps impossible, for the Saudis to approach Israel. According to the logic of the terrorists, when Arab citizens witness the devastation in Gaza, it becomes politically unfeasible for Arab leaders to foster closer ties with Israel.

An end to the normalization process would be a triumph for Iran, which is now part of the anti-American and anti-Western alliance of autocrats, along with China and Russia. This is something that the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia strongly oppose. Despite the recent establishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the deep-rooted rivalry and lack of trust between them, as representatives of the two main divisions in Islam, Shiites and Sunnis, have not vanished overnight.

If Riyadh were to declare that the talks with Israel have not ceased, it would encounter robust backlash from numerous sources, both domestically and internationally. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia's effective leader, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS), is far from being adverse to taking risks.

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An undated photo of Yuli Ben Ami's parents, Ohad Ben Ami, left, and Raz Ben Ami.

Yulie Ben Ami

In order to facilitate reconciliation with Saudi Arabia and for various important reasons such as promoting domestic stability and addressing the Palestinian conflict, Israeli leaders should engage in dialogue with Palestinians in the West Bank to explore the potential for collaboration and finding a way forward. Although it may seem difficult to imagine at present, it will be crucial in the future.

This goal may be the most challenging out of the three difficult goals. While MBS may be ready to confront public outrage, President Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority, is not. Currently in the 18th year of a four-year term, Abbas is highly unpopular, and his position is unstable.

Moreover, numerous Israelis will strongly oppose the idea of reaching a compromise with Palestinians. Their resistance stems from past experiences of witnessing the loss of lives - including men, women, children, toddlers, babies, and elderly individuals - without receiving any condemnation from the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah.

Israel's peace camp has been gradually weakening, and Hamas has further contributed to this decline.

However, Israel's internal divisions have inflicted the most damage, resulting in a fractured nation following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inclusion of right-wing extremist individuals in his coalition in order to maintain his position of power. Curiously, one of these individuals, Itamar Ben-Gvir, served as Israel's minister of national security during a time of complete unpreparedness for the country.

For months, Israelis have been protesting against a judicial overhaul, referred to as a judicial "coup" by critics, that was promoted by Netanyahu's ruling coalition. This overhaul would significantly undermine checks and balances in the country, eroding its democratic foundations.

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Amidst this crisis, the most severe Israel has faced in decades, Netanyahu and former defense minister Benny Gantz have announced an emergency unity government— the first step towards reuniting the country. However, this path is long and arduous. Israelis are grappling with agonizing dilemmas and hold contrasting views on resolving them. Today, everyone agrees that these profound divisions have rendered the country more vulnerable.

As the conflict persists, emotions run high—grief, anger, and fear prevail. Yet, those tasked with looking beyond the immediate challenges, considering a future beyond the crisis, and seeking ways to prevent a potentially even more devastating recurrence, must endeavor to create a diplomatic and political miracle on the other side of this current nightmare.