The conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused immense suffering, with thousands of lives lost and countless others affected. As the Israeli military campaign, known as “Operation Swords of Iron,” continues to devastate Gaza, it becomes clear that the war’s objectives are elusive. The reality is that military force alone cannot solve the political issues at the core of this conflict.
The Historical Context
To understand the current situation, we must delve into the history of Israel and the Zionist movement. Zionists recognized that peace with the Arab and Muslim Middle East was essential for the long-term success of their vision. However, they also acknowledged that force would be necessary to ensure the survival of a Jewish state. This paradox led to the development of the “Iron Wall strategy,” which involved using overwhelming violence to convince Arabs of Israel’s permanence.
You are viewing: The End of a Never-Ending War: Exploring the Israel Conflict
A Pattern of Military Victories
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This strategy has been employed by Israel since its inception in 1948. The pattern is clear: Israel achieves crushing military victories, but fails to gain acceptance from its neighbors and the Palestinian people. The political center of gravity within Israel has shifted towards territorial expansion and ethnonational exclusivism, undermining the potential for peace. Israel’s goals have changed, making a negotiated settlement increasingly elusive.
Missed Opportunities for Peace
In the 1990s, the Oslo Peace Accords provided hope for a resolution to the conflict. However, the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by a far-right Israeli extremist derailed the process. Subsequent governments have failed to respond to peace initiatives, and right-wing parties that prioritize Israeli rule over the entire “Land of Israel” have dominated Israeli politics. Peace has become all but impossible.
The Futility of Military Means
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Despite Israel’s repeated claims of achieving victory, wars have consistently ended not by their own volition, but by external intervention. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) cannot deliver a definitive victory because military means alone cannot transform the realities of the Middle East or establish stable political arrangements. This pattern has persisted throughout history, and the current war in Gaza will likely follow the same trajectory.
Unattainable War Aims
The laundry list of war aims declared by Israel serves a political purpose rather than being achievable goals. These aims allow Israeli leaders to claim that they could have achieved greatness if not for external interference. The expectation of an American order to stop the fighting is deeply ingrained in Israeli leaders, as history has shown. And just like previous presidents, President Biden will eventually have to make the difficult decision to intervene and bring an end to the conflict.
In conclusion, the Israel war will end not by military victory, but by external intervention. The historical context and the shifting political landscape have made peace increasingly elusive. The current conflict in Gaza is following a familiar pattern, and it is only a matter of time before it comes to a close. The only question that remains is when that intervention will occur.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHEN