GS Paper:
- GS Paper 2: International Relations – Middle East, India–West Asia Relations
- GS Paper 3: Internal Security – Counter-Terrorism, Defence Doctrine
- Prelims: Gaza Strip, Hamas, Benjamin Netanyahu, Abraham Accords, European sanctions
Context
Following the announcement of Donald Trump’s “Peace Plan” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel has adopted a more aggressive military and diplomatic doctrine in Gaza and the occupied territories — termed by analysts as a shift from “defence to offence.”
Despite international criticism and accusations of war crimes, Israel’s leadership continues to justify its offensive strategy as essential for national security and deterrence against Hamas.
Key Developments
- Background: Gaza Conflict and Genocide Allegations
- A recent UN Commission of Inquiry found Israel guilty of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
- In response, Israeli ministers have proposed post-war “real estate” plans for Gaza, indicating intentions to reshape the territory and possibly resettle Israelis there.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called Gaza a “potential real estate bonanza” for Israel — sparking outrage over annexation motives.
- Israel’s Offensive Strategy
- Israel’s new military doctrine prioritizes pre-emptive and overwhelming force — striking enemies before they strike.
- This approach is rooted in Biblical narratives, particularly the “Amalek” doctrine from the Old Testament, symbolically used to frame enemies like Hamas as existential threats.
- Israel’s long-standing “iron wall” doctrine has evolved into a policy of relentless aggression aimed at total deterrence rather than coexistence.
- Netanyahu’s Political Posturing
- Netanyahu’s far-right coalition sees annexation of Palestinian lands as the final step toward securing a “Jewish homeland.”
- Despite U.S. and global pressure, Netanyahu has pursued settlement expansion and a refusal to negotiate with Palestinian authorities.
- His government’s narrative: security through dominance, not diplomacy.
The Global Response
- Growing Isolation
- The European Commission is considering trade restrictions and sanctions on Israel over its conduct in Gaza.
- Norway has begun divesting from Israeli sovereign wealth funds, and a global boycott campaign is gaining momentum.
- International outrage follows the death toll exceeding 67,000 in Gaza, with much of the city’s infrastructure flattened.
- Declining U.S. Leverage
- Though the Trump-led U.S. peace plan pushed for ceasefire negotiations, it did not compel Hamas to disarm, leaving a strategic vacuum.
- Israel’s use of excessive force has undermined Washington’s credibility in peace mediation.
- The policy alienates liberal Western allies, eroding Israel’s soft power globally.
- Domestic Opinion in Israel
- Surveys show 74% of Israelis support ending the Gaza war, but many remain divided on Netanyahu’s leadership.
- Political fatigue and humanitarian criticism have spurred protests against the government’s policies, though hardliners still dominate.