What Does Haniyeh's Assassination Imply? Israel has wavered between 'total victory' over Hamas and pursuit of a deal. The strike in Iran may end that argument.
Israel followed two opposite policies toward Hamas since Oct. 7: destroy the organization and make a deal with it. The former policy, victory over Hamas, has wide appeal and is articulated often by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr. Netanyahu speaks of "complete victory," "total victory," "clear victory," "absolute victory," "decisive victory" and "full victory." He wore a "Total Victory" baseball cap on his flight to the U.S. last week and at his visit with Donald Trump. But Mr. Netanyahu also pursues the latter, opposite policy: negotiate with Hamas and permit it to survive in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages.
Source: Wall Street Journal July 31, 2024 17:38 UTC
