As tensions in the region ramp-up and speculation on a potential Israeli ground incursion into Gaza mounts, it begs the question: What, precisely, is Israel’s plan for the threatened territory? With a passing reference to war crimes and questions of lawfulness, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been deliberately tight-lipped about the strategies at play.
In order to come to a more concrete understanding of Israel’s plan for the region, it’s important to look at its past behavior in similar cases. What are the historical precedents that inform the current crisis? The most relevant example of such a scenario comes from 2014, when Israel conducted a seven-week military campaign of airstrikes and ground operations – today known as Operation Protective Edge – into the Gaza strip in response to rocket fire from Hamas. Then too, apparent war crimes were committed as both sides suffered civilian casualties, leading to a breakdown in trust between Israelis and Palestinians.
In terms of the present situation, though the details of Israel’s plan are still largely unknown, its main goal appears to be expanding its control over the region and crushing Hamas in the process. This is not the most cordial of approaches, as it could temporarily disrupt residents’ lives and potentially lead to the displacement of civilians. However, it is important to note that according to Netanyahu, the “war on terror is necessary and must continue” – a sentiment echoed by other Israeli officials.
It is still uncertain what course of action Israel’s military will take when it comes to Gaza, though it is expected to be an aggressive pursuit. Whether or not it is doing so within international law and without an excessive number of civilian casualties, however, is yet to be seen. Whatever Israel’s plan may be, it must be bold if it wishes to achieve an end to this ongoing conflict in the region.