The farther removed from the scene of battle and the less one knows of the opposing forces makes developing strategy and tactics an easy affair. Of course, the opposite is true, and that is the crux of the situation facing the Israelis.
I think the Israelis need a small scale amphibious landing at the southern border of Gaza. Highly mobile armored brigades supported by air and sea assets could seal the southern border and act as a anvil for the main ground invasion in the north. In this way Israel could reduce the number of Hamas fighters that escape and prevent enemy resupply from Egypt.
I have no knowledge of the amphibious capabilities of the Israeli army/navy or their ability to support and supply such a landing. It may be beyond their capabilities and require more time to plan and execute than they feel they have.
The important thing in my opinion is to prevent escape of Hamas personnel. The Israelis must be focused on killing and/or capturing as many of the terrorists as possible. I think the destruction in Gaza seen in news reports resulting from Israeli airstrikes is a good first effort. The destruction is nowhere near complete however. The destruction should resemble the streets of the French city of Caen when the British finally entered in the waning days of the successful Normandy Campaign. Streets, all streets, every street should be a pile of rubble. No structures should remain intact and serviceable. The destruction must be comprehensive and total. The destruction should be secondary to killing/capturing the terrorists.
Related:
Netanyahu — ‘Every Hamas man is a dead man.’
Related. Take advantage of this:
EGYPT FORTIFIES BORDER TO KEEP PALESTINIANS OUT
Related. I would advise the Israelis to ignore weak, bureaucratic recommendations like below:
Disarming Hamas Will Be Costly But Essential for Peace
Disarming is not and should not be the focus of Israel. Killing and/or capturing the Hamas terrorists should be the number one goal. There is a finite number of terrorists. Kill or capture the terrorist army one by one until none exist in the field.
