The Aftermath of the Ground Offensive
In the coming weeks, Israel is expected to conclude its ground offensive in southern Gaza. As the focus shifts to rebuilding Gaza, Western capitals are already discussing the necessary steps. However, there are growing concerns about Iran’s role in rebuilding Hamas and preparing for future conflicts.
Learning from the Past
This is not the first time that Israel and its allies have faced this scenario. In 2006, the Lebanon-based terrorist group Hezbollah, which is Iran’s favorite proxy, launched an attack on Israel, similar in nature to the recent Oct. 7 attack. Despite Israel’s response, Hezbollah managed to survive and even grow stronger. This raises concerns that Hamas could follow a similar trajectory, even if Israel successfully dismantles its leadership in Gaza.
The Strength of Hezbollah
Hezbollah’s daily rocket attacks into Israel demonstrate the group’s strength and the real harm it can cause, despite being severely degraded in 2006. This recovery can be attributed to weak enforcement of United Nations sanctions and the support of Iran. Iran’s commitment to rebuilding Hezbollah proved to be stronger than the West’s will to resist.
The Role of Iran in Supporting Hamas
While Hamas is not directly controlled by Iran like Hezbollah, Iran’s support has been crucial for the group’s development over the past decade. Iran has provided Hamas with financial support, technical assistance, and training. This support has transformed Hamas from a ragtag militia into a well-trained terrorist army with advanced weaponry.
Iran’s Strategic Investment
For Iran, supporting Hamas is a strategic investment. While Hezbollah is reserved to deter attacks against Iran itself, Hamas is seen as expendable yet deadly. After the recent “success” of Oct. 7, Hamas has gained even more strategic value for Tehran. It has forced Israel to expend resources, isolated Israel on the global stage, and has the potential to drive a wedge between the United States and Israel.
The Need to Counter Tehran
To prevent the revival or replication of Hamas, it is crucial to disrupt the flow of funds and arms from Iran to the West Bank and Gaza. Efforts should also focus on cutting off Iran’s supply lines to its proxies. Additionally, it is necessary to block Iran’s financial support to these groups by targeting money transfers outside the formal financial system.
Preventing Gaza’s Destabilization
To prevent Gaza from becoming another stronghold for Iran, it is essential to establish a legitimate Palestinian security force in the West Bank and Gaza. This force would receive support from Arab states and the West, providing a formidable obstacle to Hamas’s reemergence. However, there is a conundrum for Israel as they may be reluctant to support the creation of any Palestinian authority in Gaza.
Iran’s Determination
If left unopposed, Iran will continue to support Hamas and ensure their ability to carry out attacks. It is crucial for Israel and its allies to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to counter Iran’s influence.
