Jonathan Schanzer on a New Strategy for Gaza and the War Against Hamas

A New Approach to the Gaza Conflict

• 💡 Jonathan Schanzer proposes an innovative plan for Israel to end the war in Gaza victoriously, shifting strategy away from Hamas's game.
• 🎯 The core idea involves Israel unilaterally declaring victory, flooding Gaza with humanitarian aid, and withholding reconstruction materials until all demands are met.
• 🔑 This strategy aims to achieve Israel's war aims while maintaining its moral standing and avoiding prolonged military engagement.

Declaring Victory and Humanitarian Aid

• 🚀 Israel has achieved the vast majority of its war aims, and Hamas is on the brink, necessitating a strategic pause or semi-permanent end to the conflict.
• 🤝 Israel should flood Gaza with food and aid, working with partners like Jordan or the UAE, to uphold its morality and avoid depriving the population.
• ⚠️ Reconstruction materials should be withheld until all hostages are returned, major weapons are handed over, and tunnels are rendered unusable.

Shifting the Burden and Future Strategy

• 🎯 The plan shifts the onus onto Hamas and its patrons (Qatar, Turkey) to meet Israel's demands, rather than continuing costly military operations.
• ⚖️ Israel should continue to target leaders abroad and disrupt terror infrastructure opportunistically, rather than deploying large troop numbers.
• 🧩 The strategy acknowledges that Hamas will likely not surrender, but aims to break its hold by leveraging the Gazan population's desire for normalcy and rebuilding.

International Pressure and Moral Considerations

• 🌍 The current strategy is unsustainable, leading to international condemnation and media attacks on Israel, mirroring the BDS playbook.
• ⚖️ Israel must maintain its moral core and avoid actions that could be perceived as collective punishment, even if facing accusations regardless of its conduct.
• 🕊️ The proposal suggests a shift from a total war approach to a more strategic, less costly engagement, focusing on achieving core objectives without prolonged occupation or destruction.

The "Three Option Game" and Israel's Choices

• 🎲 Israel faces three main scenarios: a modified pause with aid, total war (Sherman's March), or partial annexation.
• 💡 The proposed plan aligns with the