Guy Hazut Says Israel Could Have Defeated Hamas Under Established Doctrine

Brig. Gen. (res.) Guy Hazut said Israel struggled to convert what he called major IDF tactical gains in Gaza into political achievements. He argued that Hamas sought the November 2023 ceasefire because Israel's ground maneuver had created decisive momentum, and said the pause allowed Hamas to stop that momentum. Hazut said Israel failed to apply five of seven principles used to defeat guerrilla organizations, including settling who would govern Gaza and how aid would be controlled. He said following those principles could have defeated Hamas, while warning that the group's rule after the October 7 massacre remains intolerable.