There is no fun in blasting the PM at this critical time. That said, the king of spin appears to be deluding himself and the people of Israel.
Of course, Hamas needs to be defeated – both their military wing and the civilian body. It is not however that easy for example the US found out in Vietnam, the British in Kenya, and dozens of other ‘hot spots’ across the globe.
Military strength is one thing, defeating ‘hearts and minds’ is something completely different.
Just maybe Israel can defeat the armed wing of Hamas or at least fight them to a standstill. The problem however appears to be the mindset of the civilian wing of Hamas and its supporters. The question has to be asked “How can you change, for the better" that mindset.
Unlike Vietnam which appears to have taken a generation to, if not rid itself of its Communist principles, move forward to a post-war turnaround that has built a vital economy, and forged commercial and political collaborations with the US.
According to an opinion piece in today’s Jerusalem Post, “We all were lied to, Gaza was a modern developed city before October 7th.”
“The Gaza Strip has been compared to an open-air prison for years by anti-Israel activists and media outlets. Now, IDF Reservist Roi Yanovsky shares what he saw in reality”.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-785234
So Mr. Netanyahu, where do you go from here?
What are your plans for the ‘day after’?
Winning over the hearts and minds of the people of Gaza necessitates a comprehensive and empathetic approach.
Start by addressing the most pressing needs of the people, such as access to food, water, healthcare, and education. This could involve humanitarian aid efforts, infrastructure development, and healthcare provision.
Yes, I know that the hostages MUST be returned posthaste.
Think about:
Establishing open channels of communication with the community. Listen to their concerns, grievances, and aspirations. Show genuine empathy and understanding for their struggles and experiences.
Support and empower local leaders and organizations within Gaza who have been identified as being anti-Hamas and will labor for the betterment of their community. Collaborate with them to identify priorities and implement solutions.
Create opportunities for economic growth and job creation within Gaza. This could involve investments in infrastructure, small and medium businesses, and agriculture.
Invest in education and skills training initiatives to empower the youth and build capacity within the community. Access to quality education will significantly improve prospects for individuals and contribute to long-term development.
Foster cultural exchange programs that promote understanding and dialogue between the people of Gaza and the people of Israel. This could help break down stereotypes and build bridges of empathy and cooperation.
Having rid Gaza of Hamas, advocate for the protection of basic human rights for the population, including freedom of movement, access to healthcare, and the right to live in safety and security.
Demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace and stability in the region. Support diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and promote reconciliation between conflicting parties.
Recognize the psychological toll of living in a conflict-affected area and provide support services for trauma healing and mental health.
Support cultural and recreational activities that promote social cohesion and well-being within the community. This could include arts, sports, and community events.
Ultimately, having banished Hamas from Gaza and freed the people from the repugnant reign of terror, winning over the hearts and minds of the people of Gaza requires a sustained commitment to addressing their needs, empowering their voices, and fostering hope for a better future.
It's a long-term process that requires patience, empathy, and collaboration from all stakeholders involved, with Israel taking point.