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Broad Israeli political consensus sees little alternative to Hamas confrontation
In the wake of renewed Hamas rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel yesterday, prompting the collapse of ceasefire negotiations, a range of Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum resigned themselves to the need to deploy greater force.
With a 24-hour truce extension still in place, around 50 rockets were fired at southern and central Israel between 4pm and midnight, bringing an end to attempts in Cairo to broker a long-term ceasefire. During the past week, several prominent Israeli leaders have mulled a range of lasting solutions for Gaza without Hamas at the helm. Finance Minister and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid proposed an international diplomatic initiative, Justice Minister and Hatnuah leader Tzipi Livni presented a multi-stage plan for long-term quiet while Foreign Minister and Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman floated the idea that the United Nations (UN) become the custodian of the Gaza Strip.
However, in the wake of yesterday’s renewed rocket fire with ceasefire talks still ongoing, there appears a growing consensus across a wide political spectrum that in the short-term, confrontation is the only route to bring quiet for Israel’s citizens. Economy Minister and Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett concluded that, “They [Hamas] do not desire quiet, serenity, peace and democracy. Our values are not their values.” Meanwhile, Communications Minister Gilad Erdan, who is also a member of the security cabinet said “Quiet can no longer be achieved by diplomatic means, only by military means.”
Meanwhile, opposition and Labour Party leader Isaac Herzog also urged the use of greater force. He said, “If as Netanyahu said, Hamas has been vanquished, he should reach a diplomatic deal under the best terms possible for Israel … But if the government will surrender in order to bring about a fake quiet like we had until today, it would prove that it is a weak government that has failed.” Fellow Labour MK Nachman Shai commented, “No more talking, shoot… That is the only language Hamas understands.”