Israel-Gaza Conflict Escalates as Proxies Come into Play
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is escalating as Iran's proxy, Hezbollah, warns of potential further escalation and retaliation if the Hamas leader is killed. General Jack Keane, a retired four-star general, emphasizes that this conflict is not just confined to local players but has become a part of the wider war in the Middle East between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
General Keane notes that while Hezbollah has already escalated the situation in the northern part of Israel, they have not yet utilized their vast arsenal of rockets and missiles that can reach major cities in the country. Iran, in their war against Israel and the United States, is using proxy forces to expand the conflict. The disruptions caused by their actions have even affected international shipping through the Suez Canal.
As Israel continues to target Hamas leaders, General Keane explains that killing such prominent leaders will send a clear message to the entire political regime, including those who approved the attacks on Israel from Qatar. He highlights Israel's commitment to tracking down and neutralizing leaders who pose a threat to their people.
While there are reports of the Israeli war cabinet seeking ways to de-escalate the fighting and lower the intensity in Gaza, General Keane argues that prematurely ending the conflict would result in a strategic victory for Hamas. He draws attention to the 2003-2006 Iraq War, during which solely focusing on leaders did not lead to success. He suggests that Israel must also target fighters, dismantle infrastructure, and disrupt support zones to achieve a sustainable solution.
Regarding Iran's response to the conflict, General Keane dismisses their recent deployment of a warship to the Red Sea as more of a show of force than a legitimate threat. He emphasizes that no Iranian warship poses a significant danger to the United States. However, he underscores the importance of not just defending against attacks on shipping but also going after the sources and the directors behind these attacks, specifically the Houthis and the Iranians.
General Keane makes it clear that action against Iran should have been taken earlier by targeting the IRGC training center, support structures, and bases. He believes that Iran's role in fueling this proxy war should not be dismissed, and holding them accountable is crucial.
The situation in the region remains volatile, as tensions continue to mount between Israel, Hamas, and their respective proxies. The fate of the conflict and the potential widening of the theater of war are still uncertain.
