With no immediate ground invasion, Israel's aerial strikes could signal a shift in the ongoing conflict dynamics.
Escalating Conflict: Israel Tries to Constrain Hamas as Talks Falter
Escalating Conflict: Israel Tries to Constrain Hamas as Talks Falter
Tensions rise along the Israel-Gaza border as military strategies pivot amid stalled negotiations.
Israel's military strategy appears to be evolving as it continues to strike Gaza, stopping short of a full ground invasion in an effort to force concessions from Hamas amid stalled negotiations. On March 18, 2025, recent Israeli airstrikes intensified with health officials reporting over 250 casualties, following weeks of fruitless attempts to extend a truce with Hamas.
The failure of negotiations stalled over the disputed terms of hostage releases, with Israel insisting on significant actions from Hamas and the latter unwilling to comply without guarantees of autonomy in post-war governance. Analysts suggest that Israel's tactic of focusing on missile strikes rather than initiating ground operations reflects an attempt to pressure Hamas into showing greater flexibility in negotiations.
Michael Milstein, an Israeli analyst, expressed skepticism regarding Hamas's willingness to concede, predicting a potential “limited war of attrition” characterized by ongoing airstrikes without substantial shifts in Hamas's position. While Hamas refrained from retaliating immediately following the bombardment, speculation arises about whether this is due to the degradation of its military capabilities or a strategic decision to mitigate further escalation.
In their statements, Israeli leaders, including far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, emphasized the objective of dismantling Hamas. However, the Israeli government chose a more ambiguous tone regarding the potential duration and the nature of ongoing military operations, leaving open the possibility of ground troop deployments without outright commitment. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely for the next steps in this high-stakes conflict.
Contributions to this report were made by Rawan Sheikh Ahmad, with Patrick Kingsley leading coverage from Jerusalem.
The failure of negotiations stalled over the disputed terms of hostage releases, with Israel insisting on significant actions from Hamas and the latter unwilling to comply without guarantees of autonomy in post-war governance. Analysts suggest that Israel's tactic of focusing on missile strikes rather than initiating ground operations reflects an attempt to pressure Hamas into showing greater flexibility in negotiations.
Michael Milstein, an Israeli analyst, expressed skepticism regarding Hamas's willingness to concede, predicting a potential “limited war of attrition” characterized by ongoing airstrikes without substantial shifts in Hamas's position. While Hamas refrained from retaliating immediately following the bombardment, speculation arises about whether this is due to the degradation of its military capabilities or a strategic decision to mitigate further escalation.
In their statements, Israeli leaders, including far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, emphasized the objective of dismantling Hamas. However, the Israeli government chose a more ambiguous tone regarding the potential duration and the nature of ongoing military operations, leaving open the possibility of ground troop deployments without outright commitment. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely for the next steps in this high-stakes conflict.
Contributions to this report were made by Rawan Sheikh Ahmad, with Patrick Kingsley leading coverage from Jerusalem.
