A solely military solution cannot work, say Adjunct Faculty Gil Murciano and Cornelius Adebahr on Israel and Gaza

The terrorist attack Hamas carried out against Israel on 7 October and subsequent violence against both Israelis and Palestinians have left the world in shock. In contributions in Politico, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, WirtschaftsWoche and another contribution in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, security experts and adjuncts at the Hertie School Dr Gil Murciano and Dr Cornelius Adebahr discuss the current situation in Gaza and Israel. 

“A solely military solution cannot work,” says Murciano in an interview with WirtschaftsWoche from 1 November. “The government needs a political solution for the day after [the current military operation].” In an op-ed in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung from 21 November, he also criticises the current Israeli government, calling it “the most fundamental obstacle to a real victory over Hamas”. He argues that the government lacks the flexibility needed for meaningful discussion on a political resolution, and adds that it is responsible for Israel's socio-political division. 

Lack of clarity regarding the future political order in Gaza

Both Murciano and Adebahr highlight the challenge of defining what a future for Gaza will look like. In an op-ed in Politico from 18 October, Adebahr asks: “What does Israel want to do with Gaza after Hamas’ surrender or obliteration? And, more broadly, how does Israel see itself and its neighbourhood in, say, 25 years’ time, when it will celebrate its centenary?” He points out that Israel can learn from the United States’ mistakes when fighting terrorism post 9/11, including its violations of international law.

Abraham Accords: Signatories cannot ignore the Palestinian issue

Adebahr stresses the fact that a long-term solution to the conflict will not be possible without the “land for peace approach”, granting Palestinians their own state. The author emphasises the need for Israel to maintain proportionality in its response, work towards security and stability, and seek a balance with its neighbouring countries.

When asked about the Abraham Accords, Murciano replies, “I do not believe that this agreement will be annulled. But all sides must now be aware that they need to address the Palestinian issue.”

Gil Murciano is CEO of the Israeli think tank Mitvim. Cornelius Adebahr is a policy analyst and fellow at Carnegie Europe and the German Council on Foreign Relations. Both have been long-standing members of the Hertie School’s teaching body.