The Israeli army has launched a fierce operation in Gaza, but the complete eradication of Hamas is an almost impossible task. Netanyahu has set his sights on a new target, intending to negotiate with the US Secretary of Defense to end the high-intensity war and switch to a more limited and precise "special military operation".
However, the Israeli army has not yet given exact figures, and it is still unknown whether the number of Hamas members, command centers and organizational structures have been destroyed. According to Israeli military insiders, it may take "years" to completely eradicate Hamas, but in the process, Hamas may continue to recruit new members.
The deaths of Palestinian civilians, who have died in the Gaza Strip since October 7, could further complicate the problem by adding to the hostility and leading more people to join Hamas, according to United Nations statistics. Netanyahu's three main goals – the abolition of Hamas's rocket capabilities, the recovery of the hostages and the complete elimination of Hamas – have not been accomplished.
If Netanyahu chooses a ceasefire and exchanges hostages, he risks a political fight. In order to divert attention, the Israeli Ministry of Defense planned an "invasion of southern Lebanon", a move that was taken by surprise. Netanyahu's intentions, however, may be cornered. The Israeli army has already suffered heavy losses in Gaza, and the risk is even greater if it confronts Allah, which has more troops.
In 2006, Israel and Lebanon fought each other, and the Israeli army was losing ground and now fighting on two fronts, which may be an unwise decision. Netanyahu's gamble is probably doomed.