What It’s About

There is a call for a significant shift in Israel’s policy towards dealing with attacks from enemies such as Hamas and Hezbollah. For years, Israel’s response to the firing of rockets was often dependent upon whether the attack resulted in casualties. This approach is now seen as a strategic misstep, offering adversaries opportunities to escalate violence with relative impunity if their attacks did not succeed in causing Israeli deaths or injuries.

Why It Matters

The repercussions of allowing non-casualty rocket attacks to pass without significant response have become clearer in the aftermath of continued escalation by groups like Hamas. Israel is urged to take a more proactive stance and respond decisively against the intent to harm from any state or non-state actor, regardless of whether a specific incident results in immediate physical damage or casualties.

Lessons from October 7

Recent incidents, including an intended massive bus bombing in Tel Aviv which fortunately exploded under controlled circumstances, highlight the urgency of reconsidering current policy. Intended to cause mass casualties, these bombings underscore the ongoing threat Israel faces. Recognizing these attacks as attempts to mass murder underscores the need for intensified military pressure and intelligence operations against terrorist infrastructures residing within regions like Judea, Samaria, and potentially instigated from foreign territories.

Tougher Measures Needed

Leaders in Israel, including National Unity Party head Benny Gantz, emphasize the need for treating attempts as outright attacks, underlining the necessity of going beyond just preventing mega-attacks. To ensure long-term security, it is imperative to dismantle and disrupt terrorism networks, as well as holding culpable sponsors of terrorism accountable, such as Iran if links are affirmed.

The Road Forward

This strategy shift is essential for protecting the citizens of Israel and for solidifying the nation’s stance that every hostile act will receive a comprehensive response. Adversaries of Israel are always observing—whether it be local entities like Hamas and Hezbollah or international backers who are testing Israel’s resolve. Understanding that intent underlines every attack repositions Israel as unyielding in its commitment to national security and to holding those responsible fully accountable.

This story was first published on jpost.com.