Why capturing the last Hamas fighters alive should be Israel’s strategic—and moral—victory
Peloni: In reading Jalal’s description of how to complete this war, is it really in Israel’s interest to prosecute it with a priority on preserving life on the part of our enemies, or should it be in the pursuit of a decisive, albeit well tardy, victory over its enemies? I think this is an important discussion to be had. War should not be the pursuit of morality or legality, but of achieving deterrence to future wars. In fact, war is the undoing of social norms where morality and legality are better represented than on the battlefield, and that when these values are misplaced on the battlefield it comes at the cost of not just losing the deterrent effect of war, but also at the precious cost of soldiers lives as well. So, while I can grasp Jalal’s perspective is that a primary objective should be that of denying the remaining Hamas combatants the ability of claiming victory as martyrs, I still argue that a quick, effective, and decisive victory has always been what is needed in this war, and that this still remains the case today, albeit it is already nearly two years too late to describe any victory gained as being quick.
I am curious of what others have to say on this topic.
By Jalal Tagreeb
Hamas soldiers surrendering in mass in Dec. 2023. Screengrab via Youtube
Since the atrocities of 7 October 2023, Israel and Hamas have been locked in a war that has scarred a region and shattered lives. Now, more than two years on, the conflict appears to be entering its decisive phase. Israeli forces have pushed into Gaza City in a concerted ground operation and military briefings publicly estimate between two and three thousand Hamas fighters remain concentrated there.
