Following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Israel is pushing to solidify strategic gains before the U.S. presidential election in January. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ramping up military operations in Gaza and along Lebanon’s border, aiming to create buffer zones that would safeguard Israel from future attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah. With the U.S. elections looming, Israel is looking to capitalize on the current political climate to reshape regional power dynamics before a new American president takes office.
While U.S. President Joe Biden seeks to use Sinwar’s death to de-escalate the conflict, Netanyahu appears set on prolonging the military campaign, likely waiting for a potential return of Donald Trump, who has been more aligned with Israel’s hardline policies. As Israel expands its military presence, including clearing Hamas and Hezbollah positions, concerns grow about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the possibility of further escalations with Iran, following their missile strikes in October.
