The Dilemma of the Resistance

Nidaa Al Watan, Lebanon, October 18

The attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 was a blatant disregard for established boundaries of war and a far cry from the supposed triumphant victories that Tehran boasts about after each round of violence in Gaza. Since its takeover of the Gaza Strip and the expulsion of Fatah, Hamas has continued to push the boundaries with its aggressive tactics. This latest conflict, however, has escalated beyond mere sporadic bombings and military operations, plunging the region into a protracted war with no clear solutions, no room for negotiations, and no foreseeable end in sight. Any potential cease-fire will only serve as a temporary stopgap before the inevitable outbreak of another round of violence. The military operation in Gaza has trapped both Israel and Hamas in a tense and unyielding standoff. Neither side has the luxury of maneuvering. For Israel, the eradication of Hamas is a nonnegotiable objective. On the other hand, Hamas has hunkered down for a long and resilient fight, prepared for street-to-street combat and armed with a substantial missile arsenal. Its ultimate goal? To launch a final rocket before agreeing to a cease-fire, allowing it to declare victory even if the Gaza Strip lies in ruins. Amid ongoing hostilities, Tehran has emerged as a key player in the resistance against Israel. It carefully calculates each move, mindful of the potential consequences of a misstep in this prolonged conflict. While the resistance has strategically wielded its power to observe the destruction of the Gaza Strip by Israeli airstrikes, it has also refrained from taking reckless actions. This is especially true when considering the presence of American fleets in the Eastern Mediterranean, which have essentially become an integral part of Israel’s deterrence network, poised to swiftly react and unleash their considerable firepower. However, the decision to distance oneself from the ongoing conflict in Gaza goes against the very rhetoric exhibited by various political players in recent years. The same platforms that have been filled with threats and shows of strength. This became abundantly clear when, 13 days into the Gaza war, the resistance was confined to small-scale attacks led by Hizbullah along the border. In response, Israel carried out limited retaliatory actions, with an implicit agreement that these actions would not escalate into an all-out confrontation. All the while, the looming ground attack on the Strip has been eagerly awaited. This hesitation between two options, both equally detrimental, hints at Iran’s preference for self-preservation—both for itself and for Hizbullah—rather than engaging in a war with no clearly defined boundaries or rules of engagement. Amid uncertainty and indecision, there is a noticeable absence of leadership on the ground. Some argue that this is a calculated tactic, using ambiguity as a dangerous weapon against enemies. With strategic patience and mastery in marketing, the resistance maintains control over the situation, ready to surprise onlookers with a decisive move. However, let us not forget that Hamas has publicly called for assistance, and the destruction of the Gaza Strip cannot be ignored. It is time for our leaders to step up and show their support for our suffering people. —Asaad Bishara (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)