Can Netanyahu Declare Victory to End the Gaza Conflict?

Can Netanyahu Be Pressured to Declare Victory and End the Gaza Conflict?

As the conflict in Gaza continues to unfold, a pivotal question arises: Can Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be persuaded to declare a victory and bring an end to the ongoing war? Following the significant elimination of Yahya Sinwar — a notorious figure responsible for immense suffering on both Israeli and Palestinian sides — Netanyahu finds himself in a position to seize a vital opportunity. He could publicly celebrate this achievement while declaring that Israel’s military objectives in Gaza have been accomplished.

In this context, Netanyahu could then pivot towards negotiating a cease-fire that would not only focus on the release of hostages but also pave the way for a normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia, potentially opening a dialogue towards a two-state solution. U.S. officials have been vocal about the current situation being an “opportunity,” and they are correct in their assessment. As Vice President Kamala Harris articulated, “This moment gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza.”

While it is clear that President Biden aspires for a historic peace agreement, I remain skeptical about the feasibility of such an outcome without a significantly heightened pressure from the United States. The reality is that Sinwar’s removal will likely lead to his replacement by another hardline leader, and Hamas has already asserted that hostilities will persist. Historically, the assassination of leaders like Hassan Nasrallah did not eradicate Hezbollah or bring about lasting peace in Lebanon.

Moreover, the precarious situation may soon escalate. An Israeli retaliatory strike against Iran could trigger another wave of military responses from Tehran, which would undermine the current sense of “opportunity” that exists. While Israel continues to achieve notable tactical victories, such as the elimination of key figures like Sinwar, these successes do not equate to a coherent long-term strategy. There remains a glaring absence of a day-after plan from Netanyahu for both Gaza and the West Bank.

In a recent warning, Avril Haines, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, cautioned that the Gaza conflict could ignite a “generational” threat from terrorism. Reflecting on my previous visits to Gaza, I recall heartbreaking conversations with children who had endured unimaginable hardships. When asked about their dreams for the future, many expressed a desire to become martyrs. This cycle of violence illustrates how Palestinian and Israeli extremism perpetually fuel one another, creating a complex web of conflict that is difficult to untangle.

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