Israel's Security Struggles: Hamas, Iran, and Global Implications
V24 speaks with former IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus re Israel’s ongoing battle with Hamas, the threat from Iran, and the broader implications for global security.
Stefan Tompson
Nov 30, 2024 - 12:35 PM
Note: V24 presents an in-depth series covering the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This comprehensive series features on-the-ground interviews, bringing firsthand insights from a diverse range of voices, including politicians, professors, journalists, experts and influencers. Our guest today: Jonathan Conricus.
The Prolonged Conflict with Hamas
In an exclusive interview with V24, Jonathan Conricus, former spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), provides his insights into the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The conflict, with Hamas boasting an estimated 40,000 fighters, has been prolonged due to several critical factors. Conricus explains that the terrain and Hamas’s extensive underground network in Gaza have posed significant challenges. “They built a massive infrastructure underground that has been difficult and has taken time to dismantle,” he notes. This network has contributed to the war’s extension, as Israel’s military has had to adopt a cautious strategy to minimize civilian casualties, making the operation more complex and prolonged.
[Hamas] built a massive infrastructure underground that has been difficult and has taken time to dismantle.
Jonathan Conricus
Former Spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
The Prolonged Conflict with Hamas
The conflict with Hamas, which boasts an estimated 40,000 fighters, has been prolonged due to several key factors. According to Conricus, the terrain and Hamas’s extensive underground network in Gaza have posed significant challenges. “They built a massive infrastructure underground that has been difficult and has taken time to dismantle,” he says. This network has contributed to the war’s extension, as Israel’s military has had to adopt a cautious strategy to minimize civilian casualties, which has made the operation more complex and prolonged.
International Interference and Strategic Considerations
The international community has played a significant role in shaping Israel’s military approach. External pressures have influenced decisions about high-value targets such as Rafah, a city crucial for Hamas’s logistics. “Israel could have taken a more violent approach, but international constraints and humanitarian concerns have necessitated a more measured strategy,” says Conricus. He also emphasizes the need for stronger coordination between Israel and its allies, particularly the United States, to ensure alignment of military objectives and avoid strategic missteps.
We should take them at their word...We don’t know where they are, but we should assess that they are advancing at a more rapid pace.
Jonathan Conricus
Former Spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
The Growing Threat of Iran
Beyond the conflict with Hamas, Conricus highlights the broader threat posed by Iran. The regime’s goal of eliminating Israel by 2040 is a matter of grave concern, and its nuclear ambitions pose a direct threat to global security. While Israel is the immediate target, Iran’s ambitions extend beyond the region, potentially endangering Europe and other Western nations. The regime’s nuclear program is advancing rapidly, and Conricus stresses that Israel may have to act independently if necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Conricus advocates for supporting the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom. He suggests that measures such as tighter economic sanctions, military pressure, and supporting internal reform efforts could destabilize the regime from within, contributing to long-term change in Iran.
The Path to Peace in the Middle East
Looking ahead, Conricus sees the Abraham Accords as a step toward greater regional cooperation. However, he stresses that the existence of extremist regimes like Iran presents a major obstacle to lasting peace in the Middle East. Without addressing the threat from Iran, Conricus believes it will be difficult to achieve true stability and prosperity in the region.
The Bigger Picture: Implications for the West
The challenges Israel faces in its immediate security environment also have broader implications for global security. Proactively addressing extremist threats and understanding the interconnectedness of regional and global security is essential for Western nations. “Israel is defending itself in our ancestral homeland, but we are also facing an enemy that could shift its focus to Europe,” Conricus concludes.
Stefan Tompson
Founder - Visegrad24