Not hostages! Forget the so-called “hostage talks”. It is simply a way to prolong the war and increase pressure on Israel. It is a sign of American desperation for a political win. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: Egyptian Sourcesaims to “persuade both Hamas and Israel to accept the US proposal without complicating the issue.”

Putting aside the uncomfortable “both” equation of Hamas and Israel, the “complex issue” is the so-called “war objectives.” Israel's initial three-fold objectives were to ensure the security of its borders and its citizens, to eradicate Hamas' military and administrative power in the Gaza Strip, and to free the hostages. (Related article: Israel recovers bodies of six hostages from Gaza)

What about Israel?

If you want to know the political opinion on Israel's wars, ask a politician. If you want to know the military opinion, ask a soldier.

John Spencer, chair of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, gives us a place to start. DiplomacyHe said: “War is the pursuit of political objectives and has a beginning and an end. The progress of the war can therefore be assessed based on how close each side came to achieving its political objectives. By this measure, it is Israel, not Hamas, that currently has the upper hand.”

Political objectives? The US has told Israel that it cannot achieve its political objectives through war. Spencer disagrees: “Violence is what gives Hamas control over the people of the Gaza Strip. If Israel succeeds in eliminating Hamas' military power, it can prevent Hamas from regaining its pre-October 7 status.”

Former Andrew Fox British paratrooper and senior lecturer at SandhurstHe is aware of strong U.S. opposition to an Israeli invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. The Spectator asks:“Why go to Rafa? There is only one purpose. Destroy Hamas“That involves finding and degrading their capability, which depends on the supply tunnels from Rafah into Egypt, some of which run two kilometers across the Egyptian border… If we do not, we will face incalculable casualties.”

(A side note: Now you can see why the Egyptian “mediators” are opposed to Israeli control of the southern part of the Rafah crossing: 1. It would expose the deep ties between Cairo and Hamas; Allies 1. To sever cooperation with Iran, and 2. To prevent that economically beneficial cooperation from being restored in the future.

Fox made a related side point: while roughly 3,000 Israeli vehicles “are in need of some degree of repair due to enemy damage,” “Hamas has only succeeded in destroying four armored vehicles (two main battle tanks and two armored personnel carriers) in nine months. Objectively, this Hamas's pathetic actThey are being hit incredibly one-sidedly.”

Spencer agrees. Speaking of southern Israel, he says: “The immediate risk of rocket attacks has decreased significantly in these areas. In the week of Oct. 7, there were over 6,000 alerts of incoming rockets from Gaza; now most weeks the number of alerts is in single or low double digits, or even zero. Israel is adding an additional layer of defense to its border with Gaza. Previously, Israel relied solely on the border wall for protection. Now the Israeli military has established a safety zone about half a mile from the wall.”

Israeli analyst Saul Sadka writes: Israel now controls the port of Khan Yunis, along with the Rafah Corridor and the expansion of the six-kilometer-wide Netzarim Corridor that separates Gaza City from the rest of the Gaza Strip. “Gaza is now divided into three parts. The humanitarian area has also been divided into two by the new corridor, which will be strengthened and is expected to separate Beit Hanoun from Gaza City, and Rafah from Khan Yunis.”

While this allows civilian traffic, it makes military supplies almost impossible.

He states: [Israeli Defense Forces] The only places where it has not yet come into force (though it has already begun) are the central towns of Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat, where Hamas' infrastructure remains at pre-war levels.”

In other words he – and others – speculate Yahya Sinwar Sinwal is terrified and begging for a deal to escape unscathed and survive. Where is the glory of Palestinian martyrdom? The many Palestinian parents who lost their children to this abominable scam should prepare for revolution against Sinwar and his remaining minions.

Spencer explains: “Hamas's authority in Gaza is far more precarious today than it was on October 7. Although Hamas remains the major political force, it is forced to use brutal force to govern. Hamas fighters have killed Gazan civilians, including clan and tribal leaders who challenge the group's brutal rule.” (Related: Israel attacks “Hamas mouthpiece,” shuts down Al Jazeera in the country)

In fact, when militaries topple brutal dictatorships, as in Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, military success begins to translate into political success.

Take away their weapons. Take away control of the territory. Take away control of the population. The military defeat of Hamas will lead to the liberation of Palestinians and the security of Israelis.

Shoshana Brien is senior director at the Jewish Policy Center and editor of inFocus Quarterly magazine.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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