Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on Saturday has sparked a war between Israel and Palestine, resulting in unprecedented levels of violence. Ami Ayalon, the former director of Israel’s national security service Shin Bet, spoke to FRANCE 24 to discuss the situation on the ground and the potential for further conflict.
The recent surge in violence began with Hamas’s attack in Israel, followed by Israeli retaliation in Gaza. The death toll has risen into the thousands, shocking many around the world. The fact that national intelligence and security services did not foresee the attack has raised concerns about their effectiveness.
Israel has responded to the attack by pledging to destroy Hamas, and it is expected that a ground offensive in Gaza will soon take place. However, Ayalon emphasizes that the conflict is not against the Palestinian people but against Hamas specifically. He believes that Israel should be open to negotiating with any Palestinian leader who accepts Israel’s existence as a state.
Regarding the ground offensive in Gaza, Ayalon acknowledges that it is a risky move that will result in the loss of many lives. However, he argues that allowing Hamas to continue operating on the other side of the border is not an acceptable option.
When asked about the reported intelligence failures leading up to the attack, Ayalon acknowledges that there were mistakes made in the political policy towards Palestine and intelligence and operational failures. He compares it to the situation before the Yom Kippur War, where intelligence dismissed signs of an imminent attack.
The idea that Israel is invincible due to its intelligence and security services has been damaged in this conflict, according to Ayalon. He believes that Israel is losing its deterrence and needs to communicate to its neighbors through both military and diplomatic means.
As for the possibility of a regional conflict involving neighboring countries like Lebanon and Iran, Ayalon states that it depends on Israel’s actions and whether they make it clear that they have no intention of occupying or building settlements in Gaza. He warns that there is a risk of the violence spreading to Hezbollah and calls for a focus on destroying Hamas’s military wing rather than engaging in a widespread conflict.
In conclusion, Ayalon acknowledges the violence and horror of the current situation but also sees it as an opportunity for change. He calls for a revival of the concept of two states living side-by-side and emphasizes the need for both military and diplomatic approaches to ensure Israel’s security.