In the wake of ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, there are growing concerns about Israel's policies and their impact on the region. The war, triggered by Hamas' attacks on Israeli civilian communities, was portrayed as a campaign to eradicate the group. However, seven months later, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed or injured, and Israel finds itself in a protracted and uncertain situation.

One ironic aspect of this conflict is that Hamas had made political overtures to Israel, which were consistently rejected by Israeli leaders. Instead, Israeli leaders focused on developing military and surveillance technology, bolstering their control over the Palestinians while neglecting opportunities for dialogue and peace.

The consequences of this approach are becoming increasingly evident. Israel now faces the potential of another conflict with Hezbollah along its northern border, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israelis since October 2023. Furthermore, Israel's vital security relationship with neighboring Egypt is at risk, with Egypt even threatening to suspend the landmark Camp David peace accords. Egypt has recently joined the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case, accusing Israel of committing genocide.

Despite mounting pressure, Israeli leaders show no signs of relenting or engaging in political negotiations. In fact, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has proposed the construction of a new city in the occupied West Bank, potentially undermining the chances of a two-state solution. Such development on land designated for a future Palestinian state would extinguish any remaining hope for a peaceful resolution, effectively confining Palestinians to small encampments within their own homeland.

The political landscape within Israel also adds to the concerns. The government includes far-right and openly fascist ministers, with Gallant being considered a mainstream figure. This shift reflects a departure from diplomacy and negotiation, raising questions about the path Israel is choosing to pursue.

Israel's policies in the West Bank continue to reject talks with the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League, both of which have offered diplomatic and economic cooperation in exchange for a two-state solution for over two decades.

Critics argue that Israel's actions violate international law. However, it has received unwavering support and diplomatic cover from successive U.S. administrations, including the current Biden administration. This has allowed Israel to defy global norms and public opinion, leading to concerns that the relationship between the U.S. and Israel is becoming increasingly one-sided.

The repercussions of these policies and the ongoing conflict in Gaza have the potential to shape the future in a concerning manner. Clausewitz's famous quote, "war is the means of reaching it," becomes relevant as the objectives of the conflict become increasingly unclear. Israel and its strong ally, the U.S., now face the prospect of continued warfare without a clear endgame in sight.

As Israel's controversial policies persist and the war in Gaza lingers on, international attention remains focused on the volatile situation in the region. The consequences of these actions may have far-reaching implications for Israel, the U.S., and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.