Israeli Military Objectives in the Conflict

Israel's military objectives in the conflict with Hamas focus on four key areas, primarily aiming to defeat Hamas as a military organization rather than a complete ideological destruction. The objective is to dismantle Hamas' military and governing capabilities to prevent any conventional threats to Israeli borders and ensure Hamas cannot exert control over Gaza. Additionally, Israel seeks to establish deterrence to prevent future escalations of violence, with a specific focus on ensuring that events like the October 7 assault do not recur. The final objective entails restoring security and confidence in southern Israel, particularly after Hamas' deep incursions, which significantly impacted the population's sense of safety.