The most acute problem facing Israeli officials today is how to end the daily Qassam rocket attacks intended to demoralize Israelis and to undermine the peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. … The current Israeli strategy of targeted killings— preemption to foil an imminent attack, coupled with an economic squeeze—has produced limited if not counterproductive results. … Considering the despicable socio-economic conditions of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, invading it, as many Israelis and some officials advocate, will not provide a long-term solution. … An invasion will play directly into Hamas’ hands in other ways, too. …
This leaves Israel with one valid option, which will take longer to implement but lead to the diminution of Hamas in the eyes of its followers and change the Palestinian political dynamic in favor of the PA in Gaza and the West Bank. … One of the most important steps that Israel should take is to allow the PA, along with EU monitors on the Palestinian side, to control the six Gaza crossings… Israel should further strengthen the PA by implementing the first steps of the road map. …
Surely, some of the measures will pose security risks for Israel, but then, these must be weighed against the advantages they could generate over time. That said, the Palestinian Authority must also demonstrate that it is leaving no stone unturned to end the violence against Israel, especially from the al-Aqsa Brigade, which is affiliated with the PA. In addition, to convince the Israeli public of its absolute commitment to peaceful coexistence, the Palestinian Authority must also stop all public incitements by the media, in schools, and the mosques. Access the full article>>