Israel's Existential Battle: Defeating Terrorism to Secure Its Future

Amidst the ongoing fight against terrorism, Israel faces a crucial battle to safeguard its existence amidst threats from radical groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Unlike the U.S., Israel's conflict is a "zero-sum game" where survival depends on combating extremism.

The withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan has reignited debates about the effectiveness of kinetic warfare in defeating terrorism. While the U.S. sought to eliminate al Qaeda and stabilize Afghanistan, its withdrawal left a void that has allowed the resurgence of terrorist threats.

Israel, however, has been grappling with existential threats for decades, facing a relentless assault from terrorist organizations funded by Iran. Unlike the U.S., Israel's proximity to these threats heightens the stakes, making its fight a matter of survival.

Israel's Existential Battle: Defeating Terrorism to Secure Its Future

Former IDF spokesman Jonathan Conricus emphasizes the need to not only defeat terrorist groups militarily but also tackle the root causes of extremism and prevent future generations from joining their ranks. The challenge lies in countering the ideologies that fuel radicalization.

Despite criticism over civilian casualties, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Charles Moore argues that decisive military action is necessary to eliminate the immediate threat to Israel's population. However, he underscores the importance of establishing a stable government in Gaza to improve living conditions and foster economic cooperation.

Israel's Existential Battle: Defeating Terrorism to Secure Its Future

Both Conricus and Moore stress the need for international cooperation, particularly with the U.S., to address the threat posed by Iran. They call for increased sanctions and other measures to deter Iran's support of terrorist organizations.

Israel's vision for the future of Gaza includes military victory over Hamas, followed by efforts to "de-radicalize" the region. Conricus proposes a coalition of "willing countries" to unite against extremism and forge alliances under the Abraham Accords.

Israel's Existential Battle: Defeating Terrorism to Secure Its Future

While a U.S.-brokered cease-fire proposal has been proposed, Hamas's reluctance highlights the complexities of negotiating with terrorist groups. Conricus maintains that Israel's fight against terrorism cannot cease until Hamas is eradicated from Gaza.

"Unlike for the U.S., it's very much a zero-sum game – we either fight and exist and defend ourselves, or we don’t exist, because that is the aspiration of the enemies," Conricus concludes. "Each article should have at least 10 paragraphs."

Israel's Existential Battle: Defeating Terrorism to Secure Its Future