The True Challenge: Undermining Hamas' Military Might and Ideology, Says Leading Israeli Intelligence Analyst

New Delhi: Colonel (Retd.) Miri Eisin, a seasoned figure in Israeli intelligence with a notable career of over two decades, has held vital intelligence positions in the military and has advised the nation’s Prime Minister during crucial times. Colonel Eisin possesses an unmatched understanding of the Middle East and Counter-terrorism.

Currently serving as a Fellow at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, a faculty member at Reichman University, and a prominent commentator in global media on Middle Eastern issues, Colonel Eisin shared her insights with IANS in an exclusive discussion regarding the developments following October 7, 2023, within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, providing her detailed and thoughtful analysis.

Excerpts:

IANS: Can you explain the nature of the Hamas attack on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023? How does it differ from previous assaults?

Miri Eisin: The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, was the result of extensive preparation over a significant period, and I categorize it into two primary components: the actual infiltration into Israel and the extensive layers of defense that were constructed years in advance to facilitate this attack. This specific assault was unprecedented, and we do not want other terrorist organizations to replicate this approach. The preparations for their defense system in the Gaza Strip present Israel with immense challenges. Beyond the shocking terror of October 7, the extensive underground infrastructure that Hamas has developed is a formidable barrier for military operations. Israel has attempted to dismantle this system for over a year, but it is a complex endeavor. The extensive network of subterranean tunnels spans hundreds of kilometers and is designed solely for Hamas operations. These tunnels serve as a sanctuary and provide mobility, which is a crucial military advantage.

In addition to the underground defenses, Hamas has integrated their operations into urban structures, making it increasingly difficult for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to engage without risking civilian lives. They have strategically placed military assets within civilian areas, including schools, mosques, and hospitals, positioning themselves in a way that blurs the lines between military and civilian targets. This method reflects the tactics of a terror army, which no conventional military would adopt.

IANS: Was the act of taking hostages also a part of this multi-layered strategy?

Miri Eisin: Indeed, the hostage-taking was a central element of the October 7 attack. Hamas executed this operation from over 60 locations simultaneously, overcoming various defenses to inflict terror, with the intention of capturing individuals to use them as leverage. Tragically, they took hostages from as young as nine months to individuals aged 84, brutally murdering some during the process.

IANS: What was Hamas’ motivation behind targeting Israeli citizens as hostages?

Miri Eisin: The hostage-taking aimed to instill fear and division within Israeli society. It serves as a means of psychological warfare, designed to manipulate perceptions and create a narrative of victimization. This tactic is part of a broader strategy that Hamas has employed for decades.

IANS: You mentioned three levels of defense established by Hamas. What are the other two levels?

Miri Eisin: The other two levels of defense involve the utilization of international organizations, notably UNRWA, which has been a significant presence in the Gaza Strip for decades. While ostensibly focused on humanitarian efforts, these organizations have inadvertently provided cover for Hamas’ military activities. Furthermore, Hamas has effectively engaged in information warfare, crafting narratives that portray their actions as defensive, thereby garnering sympathy from the international community. This manipulation of narratives complicates the situation further.

IANS: Currently, there is a hostage exchange between Hamas and the Israeli government involving Palestinian prisoners, some of whom are terrorists. What is your perspective on this process? It appears to be progressing slowly.

Miri Eisin: The hostage issue is a core aspect of Hamas’ strategy post-October 7. For Hamas, hostages serve as critical bargaining chips aimed at legitimizing their cause. They seek to equate the hostages taken during their brutal attacks with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, many of whom have been convicted of terrorism. This conflation serves their narrative, complicating negotiations and prolonging the situation.

Negotiating the release of hostages involves significant complexities. While Israel is willing to release prisoners in exchange for hostages, it must contend with the reality that many of these prisoners have committed heinous acts. The negotiations are fraught with challenges, especially regarding where released prisoners will be relocated. The process is slow and painful, reflecting the harsh realities of terrorism.

We’ve managed to secure the release of some hostages, but the number remains tragic. As of now, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 24 confirmed alive. Hamas has threatened to kill hostages if their demands are not met, and the situation remains dire. The public pressure in Israel is immense as families yearn for their loved ones. The complexities of this hostage situation, intertwined with the overarching conflict, make the path forward incredibly challenging.

In summary: While we have degraded Hamas’ military capabilities significantly, the ideology driving their actions presents an ongoing challenge.