The recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas have raised critical questions about the future of the region, the capabilities of Israeli intelligence, and the potential involvement of the United States. In a two-day interview with POLITICO Magazine, Amos Yadlin, the former Israeli intelligence chief and the current head of Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, shared his views on the escalating conflict.
The Goal: Defeating Hamas
Yadlin emphasized that Israel’s primary goal in the current conflict is not just retaliation for past attacks or weakening Hamas but achieving a definitive end to the group’s 16-year rule in Gaza. He stated, “We are going to destroy Hamas, as Nazi Germany was destroyed.” This includes a global assassination campaign against Hamas leaders, reminiscent of the one Israel launched following the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre.
Blame and National Distraction
Yadlin attributed much of the blame for the recent crisis to national distractions, particularly Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to overhaul the country’s judiciary. He pointed out that Netanyahu had received multiple warnings from various sources, including the defense minister, chief of staff, intelligence officials, and independent analysts, that these actions were weakening Israel’s deterrence and endangering its national security.
A Second Front with Hezbollah?
Recent reports in the Israeli media have suggested deliberations within the Israeli government regarding a potential second front with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. While Yadlin indicated that Hezbollah’s behavior has been “very cautious,” he did not rule out the possibility of a second front. He hinted at discussions between U.S. and Israeli officials, suggesting that if Hezbollah were to initiate a full-blown war with Israel, the U.S. might participate “shoulder to shoulder” with Israel.
Amos Yadlin’s insights shed light on Israel’s strategy and objectives in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, emphasizing the goal of a definitive end to the group’s rule in Gaza. While the situation remains complex and uncertain, Yadlin’s perspective offers valuable context for understanding the dynamics of the conflict.
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