Analysis: Israel Trying To Ensure That Hamas Can't Become Another Hizbullah

From The Jerusalem Post:

As the world watches the flare-up in fighting between Israel and Hamas, it is important to analyze the wider goals of the IDF's operation in Gaza.

One of the reasons Israel has targeted Hamas's military infrastructure in such an overwhelming manner is because Jerusalem does not want the movement to turn into another Hizbullah. In other words, Israel does not want Hamas to develop a deterrence capability, which it can later use to change the strategic rules of the game.

Such a development would hurt Israel's deterrence image. It would also embolden other terror organizations in the region. This would be a clear and present danger to Israel, moderate Arab states and the peace process.

What should be noted is that Fatah probably shares Israel's concerns. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has been trying for the last two months to reach a deal with Hamas on the issue of presidential elections after his term expires on January 9. But Hamas walked out of the talks, much to the anger of the Egyptians and Fatah.

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My Comment: If these are the objectives of the Israeli Government .... the destruction of the military wing and part of its social services infrastructure will attain this goal .... but only for the next year or two before Hamas is able to rebuild their forces. The economic blockade has had an impact .... but like all sanctions they take years before they become effective .... I guess Israel lost patience, and Hamas had to provoke the situation because of their own "perceived" vulnerability on this issue.