What it is about
High-ranking foreign military officials from multiple countries, including the UK and the US, visited humanitarian and combat zones in Gaza to observe the IDF’s operations and appreciate the complexities Israel faces in its conflict with Hamas. They gained a nuanced perspective on the tenuous balance between freeing hostages and combating Hamas.
Why it matters
The delegation’s insights underline the delicate, multi-faceted challenges Israel encounters. It is imperative to recognize the external and internal pressures Israel endures while managing the dual objectives of reclaiming hostages and quelling threats from Hamas. The visits and their resultant insights advocate for a deeper understanding and reassessment of international responses to Israel’s strategic decisions.
The Big Picture
According to Col. Richard Kemp, former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, the conflict is perhaps the most complex battlefield any army has faced, involving dense populations, decades-worth of Hamas’ preparations, and numerous hostages, making Israeli operations significantly more challenging.
Leadership Insights
Retired Lt. Col. Jeff Tiegs, previously of Delta Force, stressed the heart-wrenching scenario of Gaza’s potential being destroyed amid decades of conflict. He emphasized the humanitarian capacity lost due to ongoing devastation.
The Impossible Choice
Maj. Andrew Fox, a former British Army officer, acknowledged the paradox Israel faces: the competing imperatives of defeating Hamas and rescuing hostages. According to Fox, conflicts are intensified by Hamas’s ruthlessness, which could lead to hostage executions, forcing Israel into an almost unsolvable dilemma—prioritize swift military action or negotiate for hostage release.
Operational Complexities
Tiegs emphasized the importance of continual pressure to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure, albeit the scenario being exacerbated by the urban intricacies of Gaza’s tunnels and densely packed areas. The necessity of breaking through these defenses lies at the crux of Israel’s operational strategy.
Northern Border Threats
While tackling issues in Gaza, tensions at Israel’s northern border with Lebanon grow due to Hezbollah’s complex, rock-dug tunnels, posing unique and considerable military challenges. Disrupting Hezbollah’s threats appears to be a longer-term aim for the Israeli military, as emphasized by Tiegs and Fox.
Internal Stability
An upswing in violence in the West Bank holds implications for increased military operations, with concerns over a possible third intifada driven by Iranian influences, forewarned by uncoverings of car bombs and IEDs by IDF activities there.
Geopolitical Complications
The UK’s recent arm sales suspension to Israel was criticized as potentially harmful by Col. Richard Kemp, who argued the United Kingdom’s move had no substantial evidence and seemed politically motivated rather than grounded in realities of the ground-winning strategy and intelligence benefits that the UK traditionally enjoyed through collaboration with Israel.
Strategic Outcome
The foreign military delegation underscored the tactical, ethical, and political urgencies involving Israel’s multi-fronted, highly complex conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as internal dissensions. It advocates for informed international perspectives supporting Israel’s fight against extremist threats, advocating trust and strategic alignment with Israeli operations deemed not just essential for its national security, but crucial for broader regional peace and stability.
This story was first published on jpost.com.