The Open Check Is Torn: The Price of Israeli Hesitation in the Strip | Idan Marash

Idan Marash argues that Israel missed the historic credit from Trump, continued with partial deals, and is now returning to a dangerous concept. He calls for the imposition of temporary military rule, criticizes the failure of the immigration plan, and demands a decisive force against Hamas.

In an opinion column in Maariv, Idan Marash argues that Israel missed the historic opportunity given to it by the Trump administration, which granted it an 'open check' to operate in the Gaza Strip without restrictions. Instead, Israel chose a policy of partial deals, which left Hamas with power and influence, until the signing of an agreement to release all hostages. Marash notes that the agreement is an achievement, but warns that Hamas continues to place obstacles, demands an Israeli withdrawal before disarming, and talks about 'storing weapons' instead of full disarmament. He criticizes Israeli indecisiveness and calls for the imposition of temporary Israeli military rule in the Strip until Hamas is dismantled by force. He also attacks the failure to promote a voluntary emigration plan for Gazans, claiming that the Prime Minister did not pressure friendly countries enough to absorb them. In conclusion, he calls for a decisive force, determination, and resoluteness, and argues that Hamas must pay a heavy strategic price for October 7th.