The Biden administration has increased U.S. engagement in the Middle East, but it needs to focus on key questions to adopt a steadier, more proactive strategy.
Is there a chance Israel will get frustrated with trying to negotiate hostage releases and decide that destroying Hamas is more important than saving hostages? I sometimes think that’s the least bad option. The phrase that keeps popping up in my head about Gaza is, “the issue must die.” The Israel-Hamas conflict must end, and I think it can only end by Hamas dying a full and final death, even if the hostages perish.
Is there a chance Israel will get frustrated with trying to negotiate hostage releases and decide that destroying Hamas is more important than saving hostages? I sometimes think that’s the least bad option. The phrase that keeps popping up in my head about Gaza is, “the issue must die.” The Israel-Hamas conflict must end, and I think it can only end by Hamas dying a full and final death, even if the hostages perish.