Without Yahya Sinwar, Gaza has the opportunity for a peaceful future
Israel is facing a critical moment following the unexpected death of Yahya Sinwar. Sinwar was a prominent leader in Hamas, responsible for orchestrating terrorist attacks and the recent Oct. 7 massacre. His death presents Israel with an opportunity for strategic breakthrough that could reshape the region’s future.
To seize this opportunity, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government must act swiftly on multiple fronts: rebuilding Gaza, neutralizing Hezbollah in Lebanon, and potentially pursuing a peace initiative with Saudi Arabia. This could involve President Biden’s trilateral normalization plan, which aims to promote economic cooperation and diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia with US support. Additionally, Israel could consider forming a new government to establish stability and facilitate peace efforts.
Sinwar’s demise opens the door to ending the conflict in Gaza, with opportunities to secure the release of hostages and plan for the governance of the region post-Hamas. With Hamas weakened, Israel could pivot towards a forward-thinking, long-term strategy.
Israel could lead efforts to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure in collaboration with Palestinians and moderate Arab nations. This reconstruction plan is crucial for both humanitarian and strategic reasons, aiming to prevent extremist groups from filling the void left by Hamas. The US and EU could provide financial support and diplomatic pressure to ensure lasting stability in the region.
Furthermore, Israel has an opportunity to address the threat posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon. A coordinated effort to deal with both Hamas and Hezbollah could significantly enhance Israel’s security. This strategy would require a government that is willing to make strategic decisions and prioritize long-term stability over short-term gains.
By forming a unity government and embracing responsible governance, Israel can demonstrate its commitment to peace and stability. This approach could help reshape the region’s dynamics, paving the way for peaceful relations with neighboring countries and improving Israel’s international standing.
The death of Yahya Sinwar presents a unique opportunity for Israel to break the cycle of conflict and move towards a future marked by peace and security. With a combination of military action, diplomacy, and political unity, Israel can make significant strides towards a more stable and peaceful region.
Dan Perry is the former Associated Press regional editor for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, chaired the Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem and authored two books about Israel. Follow him at danperry.substack.com
