The tragic death of seven soldiers is a reminder that the war with Iran may have been won, or at least paused, but the war in Gaza continues. It is clear that unless we change our strategy it is unwinnable. We can either continue to feed our enemies and refrain from using effective tactics, or we can develop a winning strategy. It is not acceptable to continue sacrificing our soldiers to satisfy the whims of the UN and others who think that wars can be fought and won without breaking rules imposed by the so-called International Court.
There are obvious methods for eliminating Hamas, but it can only be done by a complete change in strategy and objectives.
First we must announce that Gaza is to be split into two zones, the zone of peace and the zone of war, separated by a defensible physical barrier. Movement between one zone and the other will only be via one or two entrances controlled by the IDF.
The zone of peace will first be cleared of all Hamas fighters and apparent civilians who may actually be Hamas supporters or disguised fighters; in fact the area will be cleared of virtually all male Gazans. Then all suspicious buildings in the peace zone will be destroyed to ensure that no weapons or explosives are hidden there. The peace zone will eventually be controlled by an armed Israeli police force. All humanitarian aid will be distributed only in the peace zone.
Women and children will be allowed to move into the peace zone where temporary accommodation will be available. Hames fighters who wish to surrender will also be admitted to the zone, but will be incarcerated. Men who claim to be civilians will also be admitted, but will be subject to scrutiny to determine if they are truly peaceful. All Gazans who transfer to the zone of peace will be interrogated; any who can supply really useful information will be suitably rewarded, both financially and by being given an opportunity to migrate to a country of their choice.
If necessary the peace zone will be expanded to accommodate those Gazans who want to get out of the war zone.
IDF soldiers will only enter the war zone to attack specific targets such as rocket launchers or stockpiles of munitions and supplies under Hamas control or known Hamas strong points.
It must be made clear to all that the zone of peace will only be returned to Gazan control after the complete elimination of Hamas and the return of all the hostages.
Naturally this strategy will cause outrage at the UN and will be condemned as inhumane by those European governments who are so solicitous of those ‘poor Palestinians’. However Trump will be willing to support us, and veto UN resolutions, because our strategy is in line with his principle of ‘peace through strength’.
stephenscohen.com 