US Intelligence Offer to Israel Sparks Debate Over Strategy in Rafah
The Biden Administration’s offer of intelligence assistance to Israel, including details on the whereabouts of Hamas chief in the Gaza Strip Yahya Sinwar and other senior Hamas leaders, has raised questions among Israelis. Sinwar was one of the masterminds behind the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The proposal, which also includes assistance in humanitarian efforts, such as setting up large tent encampments for evacuated Palestinians and infrastructure development to facilitate aid delivery, is aimed to postpone or prevent Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. It has left some wondering whether the US would have shared this crucial intelligence if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not threatened a major assault on the city.
It was assumed that the US was on the same page as Israel in this conflict and understood why Israel regarded Sinwar and other senior Hamas officials much like the US considered Osama bin Laden after 9-11.
The possibility that the war might have concluded earlier, with fewer casualties on both sides, if the US had been more forthcoming with its intelligence, adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict. The strategic decisions to withhold or provide intelligence can significantly impact the duration and intensity of military operations.
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Despite the US’s intentions to moderate the conflict’s scope, Netanyahu continues to assert the necessity of a significant offensive in Rafah, stating that it is critical to counter Hamas, which has substantial military infrastructure in the city. This stance was underscored by Israel taking control of the Palestinian side of Rafah Crossing last week, citing its use for terror-related activities, with no public timeline for its reopening.
Sinwar, regarded by Israel as a “dead man walking” since the October attack by Hamas, continues to play a significant role. His survival highlights the challenges Israel faces in its military campaign, which has devastated large parts of Gaza but has left the Hamas leadership largely unscathed. Beyond military strategies, Sinwar’s involvement in cease-fire negotiations and detainee exchanges underscores his importance.
Israeli and American observers assess that Sinwar’s primary motivation is not the well-being of the Palestinians or their aspirations for statehood but rather revenge on Israel. His adeptness at political maneuvering has also been noted. He has used his understanding of Israeli society, developed during his time in Israeli prisons, to influence the public and political narrative in Israel.
As the situation unfolds, Netanyahu faces internal and international pressures regarding the strategy in Rafah and broader military actions, which have led to significant casualties and displacement. The continuation of the Gaza conflict and the targeting of Hamas leadership, including efforts to capture or kill Sinwar, remain pivotal elements in the ongoing struggle between Israel and Hamas.
