Has Hamas succeeded in its objective?

 IS ISRAEL IN A BETTER PLACE TODAY THAN BEFORE THE TERROR ATTACK?

DID HAMAS INTENTIONALLY BAIT ISRAEL?

Before the Oct. 7 terror attack by Hamas, Israel was in the best geopolitical position in its existence. It had been recognized by multiple neighboring countries and diplomatic and economic relations were being normalized. This was set in motion by the Abraham accords which hoped to stabilize the middle east situation. Israel was even negotiating recognition and economic relations with Saudi Arabia, which would have been a key to peaceful coexistence in the region.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia had restored relations with Iran, which was a result of both envisioning economic prosperity for the region. All these developments left Hamas in a position that it was soon to become an irrelevant player in the region. It is likely that Hamas felt that it needed to provoke Israel into actions that would scuttle these developments. Israel has been consistent in its policy of responding to any action with a more violent action. Hamas had to understand this fact.

It is still a wonder of how Israel did not know about this attack that was in the planning for over a year. Everyone believes they have the most sophisticated intelligence in the world. We will leave that discussion for another day.

The horrific attack by Hamas was denounced around the world, it was a moment when the vast majority of the world had empathy and support of Israel. It was a time when Israel had an opportunity to use that moment to further the progress being made. Israel usually a shaper of public opinion, overcome with rage and revenge set off on a campaign of annihilation of not just Hamas operatives but Palestinians in general. It was a moment lost forever and most likely played right into the expectations of Hamas.

Now today the situation is dire, allies Egypt and Jordan are in the midst of possible political chaos, Turkey is contemplating intervention, much of this being a reaction by its populations. Saudi Arabia has signaled there can not be any relations without a solution for the Palestinians. Hezbollah and the Houthis are launching missiles every day. Israel is on the brink of invading Lebanon, with a very uncertain outcome.

While I support Israel's hope for a peaceful coexistence, decisions made in response to this attack have destroyed any hope of any peace in the near future. Yes, Hamas started it, but is Israel now in a better place than it was before the attack?