The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: What Israel's Gaza City Offensive and Airstrikes in Qatar Mean for the Region
Sep 17, 2025
Joel Braunold, managing director at the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, alongside experts Dan Byman and Natan Sachs, dive deep into Israel's recent offensive in Gaza and airstrikes in Qatar. They discuss the humanitarian crisis resulting from the military operations and implications for regional stability. The conversation explores Netanyahu's political strategies, potential shifts in U.S.-Gulf-Israel relationships, and the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its global repercussions.
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Gaza City Offensive's Limits
- Israel's Gaza City offensive aims to prevent Hamas from regrouping but requires massive troop presence and causes large-scale displacement.
- Dan Byman warns such operations repeatedly displace civilians and may not force Hamas to surrender.
Destruction vs. Negotiation Tension
- Joel Braunold says Israel insists on destroying Hamas rather than offering a political horizon, which undermines trust for any surrender deal.
- He notes Hamas needs guarantees it won't face occupation or execution if it disarms or goes into exile.
Humanitarian Strain And Governance Gap
- The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with famine warnings and limited NGO access despite Israeli claims of progress.
- Braunold points out Israel lacks preparedness to govern displaced Gaza civilians if it seizes Gaza City.
