The Economist: This is how US policy should respond to the next phase of the Gaza war
The British “Economist” magazine stated that it is obvious that the dilemma facing the United States lies in answering two questions: How long must it continue to support its ally Israel? How does it control the shape of the next stage?
She added that just as the United States had continued to provide weapons and diplomatic cover to Israel in the past to deter its regional enemies and thereby influence the decision-making process in Tel Aviv, the goal now should be to focus on protecting Israel and preserving its sovereignty.it has the right to defend itself and revive two state solution This provides Palestinians with freedom and self-determination.
She stressed the need for US President Joe Biden to choose approaches that maximize the likelihood of achieving these goals. As the magazine puts it, this means “marginalizing terrorists” on both sides who are determined to undermine any permanent solution.
Coalition government collapses
One of the options for the United States is to implement an immediate and permanent ceasefire, she explained, adding that this would limit civilian casualties because there would be fewer casualties if Israel moved into southern Gaza and used the same tactics as in the northern Gaza Strip. Death rates were much higher in the area because the area was so overcrowded that civilians had nowhere to take shelter.
The Economist estimates that the end of the war could lead to the collapse of the far-right coalition government led by… Benjamin Netanyahuwhich “was and remains an obstacle to a two-state solution.”
But the British magazine added that there are fears that a permanent ceasefire will now leave the Islamic resistance ( agitation) achieved victory while keeping most of its capabilities “intact,” compromising Israel’s security and undermining the chances of achieving a two-state solution.
She went on to say that Hamas may still maintain three-quarters of its military strength and threatened to launch more attacks, “which Iran cheers.” She warned that if Hamas becomes the de facto government… Gaza StripGiven its growing influence in the West Bank, a two-state solution would be “impossible” as it would not be seen as a reliable partner.
Therefore, The Economist believes that the United States must continue its efforts to shape Israel’s approach to war, influence its postwar plans, and steer its policies toward a two-state solution.
Limit the Israeli Army
According to The Economist, Biden must make it clear that his support for the southern Gaza operation depends on Israel adopting new tactics of reducing armor and shelling and increasing infantry, even if this means that Israel risks further military losses.
The magazine suggested that Israel had set a “realistic” military goal based on destroying much of Hamas’s military capabilities and its ability to rule Gaza, rather than eliminating it entirely. Israel must also go beyond its minimum legal responsibilities by opening its borders at the Kerem Shalom crossing to allow the flow of aid and providing shelter and medical assistance to Gazans in the Strip and within Israel.
According to the British magazine, components of a two-state solution are the establishment of interim authorities in Gaza, a role played by Israel’s Arab neighbors and friends, a new Israeli government and a new moderate Palestinian leader, and the resumption of negotiations, according to Netanyahu Hu has “no credibility” in this regard.
The Economist believes that the United States can express its intentions by talking to Netanyahu’s potential successor, asking him to release Palestinian funds, adopt strict measures against “violent” settlers, and curb Israeli forces in the West Bank. .
