Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend of 7-8 October sparked the heaviest round of Israeli-Palestinian fighting in decades. Israel has vowed fierce retribution, formed a national unity ‘war cabinet’ (MEES, 13 October), and embarked on a heavy campaign of bombing and rocket attacks against the Gaza Strip whilst mobilizing reservists in preparation for a potential land incursion as MEES went to press.
The conflict has taken most observers by surprise, with Israel’s sophisticated defenses along the Gaza Strip overwhelmed in a major embarrassment for Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu. With further escalation of the conflict seemingly unavoidable, the priority for most external actors is containment. Already the conflict has had a significant impact on regional political dynamics, and spillover into other states would have profound ramifications. (CONTINUED - 1521 WORDS)
