In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, former President Donald Trump has issued a stark call for Israel to “finish the job” against Hamas. This comes as ceasefire negotiations have collapsed, leaving the situation in the region increasingly volatile. Trump’s comments, made just days ago, underscore a growing urgency as Israel grapples with the aftermath of the October 7th attacks that left the nation reeling.
Benjamin Anthony, CEO of the Miriam Institute and a combat veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces, spoke to Fox News about the implications of Trump’s statements. He emphasized that Hamas appears unwilling to negotiate, stating, “Hamas wants to die,” indicating their commitment to a jihad against Israel, even at the cost of civilian lives. With the current military operations failing to yield the desired results—namely, the return of hostages and the neutralization of Hamas as a threat—Israel is now contemplating intensified military actions, including targeted eliminations of Hamas leaders.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at exploring alternative strategies following the breakdown of ceasefire talks. Anthony outlined a three-pronged approach: escalating military operations, pursuing negotiations for hostages, and potentially executing high-level extractions. He warned that the Israeli government must achieve its objectives, particularly the safe return of hostages, to maintain legitimacy.
The situation is further complicated by humanitarian pauses in fighting, which critics argue could allow Hamas to regroup. Yet, Anthony insists these pauses reflect Israel’s military successes, enabling them to operate in a more controlled manner.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the stakes remain high. Trump’s call to action and Israel’s strategic recalibrations signal a critical moment in the war against Hamas, with potential repercussions that could reverberate far beyond the region. The world watches closely as Israel navigates this perilous landscape, determined to eliminate a threat that has claimed too many lives.