The assassination of senior Islamic Jihad figures in Gaza is intended to strengthen Israeli deterrence, which has eroded in recent security incidents, and to make it clear to Israel's adversaries that despite the internal disagreements, Israel is united and determined to defend its security.
Although the Israeli operation was directed only at Islamic Jihad, with the aim of keeping Hamas out of the battle, given the circumstances and the extent of the casualties, it is unlikely that Hamas will again choose to stand by and stay out of the battle.
It can be assumed that at these moments, coordination talks are taking place between senior Hamas and Jihad figures, and the network is being prepared to respond to the Israeli operation. Presumably, the response will come after the mass funerals of senior Islamic Jihad figures, and after their operatives have secured themselves in hiding.
Islamic Jihad assassins in Operation Shield and Arrow, photo: Arab networks
As far as Israel is concerned, the opening blow of the operation achieved its main objective. It must now direct its efforts toward two goals. The first is to ensure that the response of the organizations in Gaza does not offset the achievement, and the second is to take advantage of the opportunities that arise in order to deepen the harm to terrorist elements in Gaza.
How should Israel act?
A. Maximum protection to prevent casualties: This goal is of double importance – both preserving the lives of our citizens and preventing achievements from the adversary, leaving him, at the end of the operation, bruised, beaten and unsuccessful.
2) Focusing on Islamic Jihad and strong readiness vis-à-vis Hamas: Hamas should carefully consider the feasibility of joining. If signs are identified that he intends to join, the commanders of the terrorist organization must be attacked and the terrorist towers must also be brought into the first targets of the attack.
c. Powerful damage to commanders and opponents' capabilities. In order to reduce the duration of the fighting, it is proposed that Israel's moves from the beginning be of maximum intensity. Conducting the campaign in a gradual process will lead to its continuation more than desired.
d. Stopping the supply of goods and means to the Gaza Strip from Israel and Egypt (except for essential humanitarian supplies) in order to increase pressure on Hamas and Jihad.
5) The focus of fire in the south, along with vigilance and a threatening view of the north: It can be assumed that in this round as well, Hamas will try to respond from the north in order to create another front for Israel and try to entangle it with Hezbollah as well.
6) Alertness and a quick and determined response to terrorism and violent nationalist events inside Israel: An "internal arena" must not be allowed to be created under the influence of the conflict in Gaza or against the background of incitement ahead of Nakba Day, and in contrast, Jerusalem Day, which will be held next week.
The writer is the head of the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy in Jerusalem. Prior to that, he served as National Security Advisor and head of the National Security Council and served at the top of the Israel Security Agency.
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