The extension of the ceasefire by two more days is welcome. Israel will be able to bring home 20 additional captives, which will advance one of the operation's main objectives. Although a return to fighting will be delayed, senior political-security officials are united in the belief that it is a reasonable price in exchange.
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In recent days, there have been claims attributed to senior IDF officials suggesting that the ceasefire is a mistake and that Israel should have pressed forward in its military maneuver. This is a valid opinion, but it is not shared by those officials who have actual influence. The IDF chief of staff, the head of the Shin Bet security agency, and other senior officials of relevant agencies have expressed support for the ceasefire and its extension. The chief of staff explicitly stated that the IDF would be able to adjust to the scaling back of operations and be able to return to successful fighting after its conclusion.
Video: Weapons found at Shifa Hospital / Credit: X/@IDF
It is likely that Israel will agree to extend the ceasefire for additional days if it allows for the release of more captives. The ground maneuver may have pushed Hamas into a corner and advanced the ceasefire in battle, but there is no basis for the claim that this could have culminated with the release of the captives. Since the conflict began, Israel has successfully reached two bodies of captives and only one live captive (Ori Megidish), despite considerable efforts invested in the matter.
In practice, while public hope is that the operation will release additional captives by the IDF, decision-makers are concerned that deepening the damage to Hamas may endanger the hostages' lives. Yahya Sinwar has already proved that he knows no inhibitions: He will not hesitate to send captives to their deaths if he believes it will help stop the operation. Therefore, in the tension between fighting and ceasefire, the decision was in favor of a ceasefire that would release as many captives as possible.
With the conclusion of the ceasefire, Israel will once again fire its guns. It is up to Israel, and President Joe Biden reiterated his support Monday when he spoke about the need to remove Hamas' rule in Gaza. The power relations demonstrated on the ground so far should make it abundantly clear to all skeptics that there are no question marks as to which side is stronger and who will prevail: If Israel decides to go all the way and fulfill its commitment to defeating Hamas, it will do so.
While the ceasefire allows Hamas time to reorganize, it does not dramatically change the power dynamics on the ground. It is likely that they will use these days to divert forces to vulnerable points and strengthen the defense around their strongholds not yet captured in Gaza and in the southern strip. Moreover, they will stock up on food, water, and fuel to prolong their stay in the tunnels.
The dire situation Hamas is in could be learned from the testimonies of the released captives. They spoke about the food given to them in ration in recent days and the lack of medicine, showers, and basic hygiene necessities. This is another reason to act quickly to release them, with the knowledge that every day in captivity endangers their health and lives.
These testimonies should be published worldwide so that people would know how Hamas treats the civilians it holds. Instead of whining to Elon Musk, the Israeli government should do proper Israel advocacy. Musk does not love Israel; he proved this after Oct. 7, and he will not change his ways now. In his world, there is only one important thing – Elon Musk – and the right way is to scare him with economic damage, as was done by a series of major advertisers after his social network, X, was used to disseminate antisemitic and racist content. There are enough wealthy Jews in the world who can do it: it will be their contribution to the commemoration of that deadly Sabbath and its victims and to the struggle against Israel's enemies worldwide.
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