Death of Sinwar Is an Opportunity for the U.S. And Israel

Israel confirmed it killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on October 17 – just over one year since the group launched a major attack on Israel. His death marks a major moment for the war and the Middle East, with serious geopolitical implications that could reshape the Israel-Palestine conflict and broader regional rivalry between Iran and Israel. That should start with an effort to achieve a real ceasefire and hostage exchange in Gaza, alongside an end to the broader regional war currently underway.

Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Sinwar’s killing as a triumph, exclaiming “Today we have settled the score. Today evil has been dealt a blow but our task has still not been complete.” Indeed, given Netanyahu’s reputation within Israel as a self-interested politician, it is unsurprising that he seeks to use this moment to further revive his image.

That point deserves attention, alongside his cryptic warning that Israel’s operations are incomplete. While referring in part to the 97 hostages still held in Gaza, Netanyahu is hinting at a continuation of the war, especially given his lack of a “day after” plan. Indeed, he has remained vague about what comes after Hamas’s defeat – spurring concerns of a long-term Israeli occupation in Gaza.

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