[COLUMNIST] Israel cannot bomb its way to peace

For Israel, the path of relentless militarism will likely yield diminishing returns, leaving it more isolated and less secure. For the U.S., now is the time to act decisively, before the chaos Israel is sowing across the Middle East engulfs it as well. Only by curbing Israel’s actions and pushing for a diplomatic resolution can the U.S. prevent this conflict from becoming a permanent fixture of its foreign policy quagmire.

As Mehdi Hasan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of online news broadcaster Zeteo aptly puts it, “Israel cannot bomb its way to peace.” The U.S., as Israel’s most powerful ally, must lead the way in helping Israel find an alternative to endless war —- a solution that safeguards the future of both Israelis and Palestinians and ensures long-term stability in the Middle East.

The Economist’s special report, “The Year That Shattered the Middle East,” provides a grim reflection on how Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas and its broader regional repercussions could lead to a catastrophic spiral, not only for Israel but also for its closest ally, the United States. As the war intensifies, Israel’s military approach is veering into more dangerous territory, leading to a conflict that could destabilize the Middle East for years to come. This editorial explores how Israel’s belligerence may backfire, unravelling its long-term security, and why it’s in the best interests of the U.S. to intervene before it’s too late.

Israel’s current strategy is deeply rooted in a belief that military dominance can restore its power of deterrence in the region. Following Hamas’s retaliatory October 7, 2023, self defense military operation, Israel embarked on an unprecedented military campaign against Gaza, decimating the territory in a show of force meant to incapacitate Hamas. According to The Economist, the attack on Gaza and the subsequent expansion of Israel’s military operations into Lebanon and Syria mark a shift in regional dynamics. The report indicates that Israel, under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is attempting to dismantle the so-called “Axis of Resistance” —- a coalition led by Iran that includes Hezbollah, Hamas, and other freedom fighters.

But this approach may come at a significant cost. Israel’s pursuit of “total victory,” as Netanyahu calls it, lacks a clear political vision and is further alienating Palestinians, radicalizing youth in the West Bank and Gaza. This could entrench the very resistance movements Israel aims to crush. Journalist Mehdi Hasan, a vocal critic of Israel’s policies, notes that Israel’s reliance on overwhelming military force often “misreads the political landscape,” failing to address the underlying causes of Palestinian grievances. Mehdi has pointed out that while Israel may win battles, it is losing the war for legitimacy and support among a younger, global audience more attuned to issues of human rights.

The United States has historically been Israel’s strongest ally, providing military aid and diplomatic cover. However, its unequivocal support of Israel, especially in the current conflict, risks further entangling Washington in an intractable regional war. The Biden administration’s initial stance was to support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas. However, as Israel’s military tactics grow more aggressive, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure and the use of collective punishment in Gaza, the international community has grown increasingly critical of U.S. complicity in crime against humanity.

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* Dr Rais Hussin is the Founder of EMIR Research, a think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research.