Roadmap: Hamas remains the power behind the scenes in Gaza, while IDF hands are tied

Ron Ben-Yishai analyzes the Peace Council's roadmap for Gaza, arguing it leaves Hamas as a behind-the-scenes power, similar to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hamas gains immunity from targeted killings and a psychological achievement of a 'credible path to a Palestinian state', in exchange for giving up weapons that the IDF has already largely destroyed. Israel is required to fully withdraw and stop assassinations, without the ability to address violations.

Ron Ben-Yishai, ynet's military analyst, analyzes the 'Roadmap for Completing the Implementation of President Trump's Peace Plan for Gaza' published by the 'Peace Council'. He states that it is a vague declaration of intent, not a binding agreement, and lacks fundamental details such as the definition of 'heavy weapons', the fate of the weapons, and responsibility for storage sites. The analysis emphasizes that the outline grants Hamas a status similar to Hezbollah in Lebanon: armed political influence through integrating its men into the new police force and keeping its officials in their positions, without bearing responsibility for the welfare of residents. There is a dispute between Israel and Hamas over the order of operations: Israel demands disarmament before withdrawal, while Hamas demands withdrawal first. Ben-Yishai argues that the real problem is that Hamas remains a power factor, improves the situation of its activists, and achieves a psychological victory of a 'credible path to a Palestinian state'. He notes that the IDF has destroyed at least 70% of the weapons, but the plan allows for rebuilding. Israel is required to fully withdraw and stop assassinations, without the ability to address violations, which constitutes a serious failure.