Israel's 'Both/And' Strategy Achieved Hostage Releases and Hamas Dismantling
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A "both/and" strategy, combining hostage release efforts with ongoing military pressure, has successfully returned remaining hostages and dismantled Hamas's military structure, according to Lt. Col. (Res.) Amit Yagur. This approach allowed Israel operational freedom and prevented Hamas's strategic recovery. US official McGurk reportedly acknowledged that prior pressure to delay operations reduced Hamas's incentive to compromise. The ongoing elimination of Hamas leadership and the systematic pursuit of operatives have broken the organization's perceived immunity.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's "both/and" strategy successfully returned remaining hostages and dismantled Hamas's military capabilities.
- Lt. Col. (Res.) Amit Yagur argues this approach prevented Hamas's strategic resurgence.
- US official McGurk reportedly admitted prior pressure to delay operations reduced Hamas's incentive to compromise.
- The systematic elimination of Hamas leadership has created a "double decapitation syndrome."
- The pursuit of operatives has shattered the perception of Hamas's immunity after attacks.
Three years after the October 7th attacks, a "both/and" strategy, combining pressure for hostage releases with continued military action, has proven effective, according to Lt. Col. (Res.) Amit Yagur. This approach, Yagur argues, allowed Israel to secure the return of remaining hostages while dismantling Hamas's military capabilities and preventing its strategic resurgence.
He contrasts this with a binary approach that debated prioritizing either hostage deals at any cost or total military victory. Yagur asserts that the "both/and" strategy enabled Israel to maintain operational freedom, eliminate key Hamas leadership, and break the perception that the organization could attack and then hide behind international mechanisms. This strategy also prevented Hamas from rebuilding its command structures and recruiting new operatives.
US official McGurk, described as having a "realism based on mechanisms" worldview, is noted for his past disagreements with Israeli governments. McGurk now reportedly acknowledges that prior US pressure to slow operations before entering Rafah reduced Hamas's incentive to compromise. He also criticized the binary thinking that suggested all hostages could have been released in a comprehensive deal, a deal Israel allegedly passed up.
Yagur highlights the recent elimination of Hamas commanders, creating a "double decapitation syndrome" where replacements are quickly targeted. This systematic pursuit, he contends, has shattered the notion that Hamas could commit atrocities and remain immune. The current challenge, Yagur concludes, is to sever Hamas's connection to the civilian population, which is its source of power, thereby achieving its governmental dismantling.