It has been a year since Hamas launched its attack on Israel, and despite Israel’s efforts, the conflict is still ongoing. This raises the question: Why is Israel, a country that once defeated Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine in just 144 hours during the Six-Day War, struggling to defeat Hamas now? Is Israel weaker, or is there a bigger strategy behind this long conflict?
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched thousands of rockets at Israel in a coordinated attack called “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.” In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to fight until Hamas was completely destroyed. Israel launched its own campaign, “Operation Iron Sword.” Despite a year of intense fighting, which has resulted in nearly 50,000 deaths, the destruction of Gaza, and the displacement of millions, Hamas has not surrendered, and Israel has not shown any signs of seeking peace.
So, the question arises: Why is Israel, a country that has won wars against entire groups of Arab nations, unable to defeat Hamas? The answer lies in the nature of the conflict. Unlike past wars, where Israel fought against national armies with clear targets, Hamas is not a regular army but a militant group with fighters spread out in various areas. Israel is not fighting a traditional battle, but rather a guerrilla war, where fighters are difficult to identify and defeat.
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In past wars, Israel faced national armies from Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, which had bases, infrastructure, and soldiers that could be targeted. Once those armies were defeated, Israel could claim victory. But with Hamas, the situation is different. Hamas operates like a decentralized group with militants hiding in civilian areas, making it harder for Israel to strike effectively. Even if Israel kills one Hamas leader, another quickly takes their place, and the cycle of conflict continues.
Additionally, groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis often come forward to support Hamas, further complicating the conflict. These groups, like Hamas, are not regular armies but militias, making the fight even more challenging for Israel.
In conclusion, the conflict with Hamas is different from Israel’s past wars with Arab nations. It’s a long and complicated battle that won’t end easily. Even if Israel kills top Hamas leaders, new ones will emerge, and the fight will continue. This war is not just about defeating an army but dealing with a network of fighters spread across different groups. No one knows how long this will go on, but for now, it is clear that Israel is facing a tough and prolonged challenge.
