Israel’s Pyrrhic Victories: Does Making a Desert Bring Peace?
By Beatrice Ala
October 2, 2024
On October 1, Israel escalated its military operations by moving troops north into Lebanon, launching a long-anticipated ground invasion. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) characterized this action as "limited, localized, and targeted" against Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure, following a series of airstrikes on Beirut that resulted in the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Iran swiftly retaliated by launching missiles at Israel, further complicating an already volatile situation.
Throughout this year, numerous diplomatic efforts have aimed at de-escalation amid fears of a regional conflict. However, each cycle of attacks and retaliations has intensified the stakes, with Israel caught in a pattern of Pyrrhic victories—winning tactical battles at a significant cost, ultimately undermining any true sense of achievement and long-term stability.
The pressing question is whether Israel's strategy of seeking to obliterate its enemies, which appears increasingly unrealistic, is sufficient for ensuring lasting security. How can the complete destruction of adversaries lay a sustainable foundation for peace?
Recent developments underscore this troubling dynamic. The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, although unclaimed by Israel, was viewed by mediators as a serious setback for negotiations in Gaza. Additionally, on September 15, the Iran-aligned Houthis from Yemen launched hypersonic missiles at Israel, signaling a new front in this multi-dimensional conflict.
Lebanon has emerged as a crucial battleground, shifting focus from Gaza. Throughout the summer, clashes between Hezbollah and the IDF intensified, culminating in Israel's so-called "preemptive" strikes in August. In retaliation for the killing of their commander, Hezbollah fired over 320 rockets at northern Israel.
The Israeli airstrikes on September 23 marked a significant escalation, resulting in nearly 500 casualties—the highest single-day toll since the 2006 war. The IDF's claims of hitting 1,600 Hezbollah targets reflect an aggressive strategy aimed at dismantling the group’s capabilities. However, this approach has only deepened animosities and drawn the ire of Iran, which has vowed to retaliate.
International reactions have been swift. The UN Security Council convened to discuss the escalating crisis, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning of an impending catastrophe in Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for global intervention, arguing against allowing Lebanon to devolve into another Gaza-like scenario. Proposals for a temporary ceasefire, spearheaded by France and the U.S., have been outright rejected by Israel, which views them as detrimental to its security.
As Israeli airstrikes continue, the toll has risen to 600 since September 23. Netanyahu insists that operations will persist until all objectives are met, yet this strategy raises critical questions about the long-term consequences of such aggressive military tactics.
The cycle of violence is self-perpetuating: each military achievement invites retaliation, drawing Israel deeper into a conflict with regional ramifications. The involvement of Iran and the Houthis highlights the complex web of alliances that complicates any hopes for resolution.
Ultimately, it is implausible for Israel to eradicate all opposing factions in the Middle East. Each failed attempt at total destruction only serves to radicalize adversaries further. The belief that a scorched earth policy can yield peace is fundamentally flawed; the historical grievances and tragedies are too deep-rooted for such an approach to succeed.
In conclusion, Israel's quest for security through military domination may lead to more profound conflicts. The strategy of making a desert in pursuit of peace is unlikely to foster stability; instead, it risks perpetuating a cycle of violence that breeds only more violence.
