Israel’s ‘soft’ response to Hamas attacks

Ben Caspit writes that “over the last two years, Israel has employed two different and even contradictory military strategies: one on its northern front against Syria, Hezbollah and Iran, and the other on its southern front, against Hamas Islamic Jihad and other “recalcitrant” organizations in Gaza.”

“In the north,” Caspit continues, “Israel is constantly on the offensive and — according to foreign reports — quick to threaten, initiate and exact a price from the enemy. In the south, however, Israel has adopted a cautious tone of containment and is on guard to avoid being dragged into a military confrontation. In short, Israel shows a lot less initiative in the south and takes Hamas’ needs into account. In the north, however, Israel uses all its strength to fan the flames of domestic Iranian conflicts and try to undermine the ayatollah-led regime. In the south, Israel uses all its strength to maintain and protect Hamas’ rule.”

“Despite Hamas being viewed as the long arm of the Iranian Revolution,” adds Caspit, “Israel is extremely careful not to rock the Gaza boat too much or do anything that might, including accidentally, cause Hamas to fall.”