The IDF has had some nice successes in the military sphere. Some 50 terrorists have already been killed, among them vital commanders in Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Hamas, however, defined this round of fighting as "for Jerusalem," and in this sphere, it seized an advantage. Hamas has a sense of victory regarding Jerusalem, which is the main reason the Arabs in Israel are acting out wildly.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
The American pundit David Wurmser has focused on the important psychological aspect of military campaigns. The IDF's ethos is purely militaristic in nature, with addendums for defending civilians and an ethical code of arms.
Therefore, the news that the IDF high-command and political leaders won't want to hear, is this: The psychological and ideological dimension is decisive in any war, particularly in the current war in which we are now mired. Does the IDF chief of staff know that in Gaza they are fighting for the liberation of Jerusalem? To a large extent, this is a tougher battle than the one fought by Motta Gur and his Paratroopers in 1967.
First of all, it's not just that we have to take the gloves off, as per the cliche. We need to recognize that we won't have an ideal starting point in another year or two. This is the starting point forced on us, and the IDF can win, resoundingly. The emphasis is on "win," as the chief of staff has discussed since day one of his tenure. Not a "heavy price," not "surprising blows," or any other cliches in that vein.
We are not the military experts or techno-tacticians that IDF commanders are. But it's obvious that under the current circumstances, victory will require the destruction of infrastructure and enemy manpower to a degree and ferocity that will almost certainly shock Western states and our Jewish brethren who support the Democratic party.
But we are fighting for Jerusalem, not public opinion points. Moreover, the calamity that the IDF can rain upon the enemy has to traumatize whatever leadership is left, along with the residents of Gaza and Judea and Samaria, and Ithe Arabs of Israel.
In Jerusalem, Israel must implement measures that change the status quo on the Temple Mount in favor of the Jews. Israeli sovereignty needs to be felt. This altered status quo must also be seen in Gaza itself. Parts of the Gaza Strip, perhaps its northern sector, must revert to Israeli hands. IDF commanders must be assertive. This is war. The Hamas leadership needs to pay the price, with Haniyeh or without him. The pyromaniac Mahmoud Abbas must also pay a price. What price? That's for our military leaders, who get the big bucks, to determine.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
