Why doens't Israel Want To Win? Is its non-win tactic really another way to fight?

Submitted by Bryan Taplits (United States), Dec 13, 2018 at 12:24

I really do enjoy your analyses, Dr. Pipes. I suppose that's why I respond so frequently.

Concerning your article: I've read many times your belief that Israel refuses to win (and that's why some in the Israeli cabinet have resigned); and the points you make seem valid (For instance, your take is a valid analogy of, I believe it was Bush, senior, who told General Powell to fall back and not win the war we were engaged in at that time).

However, don't you think it is now incumbent on you to tell your readers why you believe President Netanyahu would rather see Israeli civilians being put at risk than having Israel definitively win the wars against Hamas. I know you've alluded to Israeli Intelligence not wanting to "win", but I can't understand "why not". I'd appreciate it if you elucidate once again why Israeli Intelligence feels as it does, and why you think President Netanyahu doesn't want to win the war-undisputedly- against Hamas either.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".