The Futility of Operation Cast Lead

  • Article

A review of the strategic, operational, societal and diplomatic dimensions of Israel’s operation against Hamas in Gaza produces an overall audit that is far from favorable. “Deterrence” is not a strategic objective and “punishment” is not a tool of realpolitik. Hence, it is not surprising that the operation has not produced any viable results. On the contrary, it threatens to backfire in several ways.


Name

The Futility of Operation Cast Lead

Description

A review of the strategic, operational, societal and diplomatic dimensions of Israel’s operation against Hamas in Gaza produces an overall audit that is far from favorable. “Deterrence” is not a strategic objective and “punishment” is not a tool of realpolitik. Hence, it is not surprising that the operation has not produced any viable results. On the contrary, it threatens to backfire in several ways.

Types

Article

Authors

Prof. Stuart A. Cohen

Claims from

The operation was partly justified by the need to restore deterrence, but the effectiveness of this aim is questioned, highlighting a historical erosion of the IDF's deterrence capability
The operation damaged Israel's image internationally, particularly due to the severe destruction in Gaza and civilian casualties. This had repercussions on Israel's standing in the international community and affected its diplomatic relations
Engaging with an inferior enemy like Hamas could potentially blunt the IDF's skills, contrary to restoring its former glory
Public opinion shifted post-operation, with debates about the operation's effectiveness and justifications. There were also suspicions that the operation's timing was influenced by Israeli electoral politics​
The scale and manner of the operation likely delayed the possibility of breaking the cycle of violence in the region. Survivors' experiences and the resultant desire for revenge could exacerbate future conflicts
As the operation progressed, it appeared to lack a clear purpose, especially when Israel declared a unilateral ceasefire, suggesting a lack of ideas for further action​
The imprecision of Israel’s war aims left Hamas with more room for strategic maneuver than expected, allowing them to claim the attack failed, especially since many Hamas leaders survived

Publish date

02

Month
/

16

Day
/

2009

Year

12

:

00

am

Publisher

BESA Center

Topics

Operation cast lead

Web URL

https://besacenter.org/the-futility-of-operation-cast-lead/

Referenced by

Engaging with an inferior enemy like Hamas could potentially blunt the IDF's skills, contrary to restoring its former glory

Defense

Claim

As the operation progressed, it appeared to lack a clear purpose, especially when Israel declared a unilateral ceasefire, suggesting a lack of ideas for further action​

Defense

Claim

The imprecision of Israel’s war aims left Hamas with more room for strategic maneuver than expected, allowing them to claim the attack failed, especially since many Hamas leaders survived

Defense

Claim