Any cease-fire without dismantling Hamas will merely be a pause in violence. The terror regime’s destruction, though, could bring the vision of a US-Israel-Sunni alliance within reach
October 12, 2025 08:36
As Jews across Israel and the world celebrate Succot, we dwell in fragile booths that recall our ancestors’ journey through the desert, protected not by firm walls but by divine grace. It is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude for God’s shelter. This year, the symbolism of Succot feels especially poignant, with the advance of the Trump-Netanyahu agreement that promises to return the Israeli hostages and maybe even end Israel’s war with Iran’s proxies. Yet, just as the succah offers a temporary and tenuous shelter the agreement may itself be flimsy enough to be blown away by a strong gust of Hamas wind if the proper precautions are not taken. And just as Succot also represents the promise of a durable shelter that has propelled the Jewish people for centuries, this agreement has the potential of not just surviving but transforming and reshaping the Middle East.
The first phase of the agreement, focused on the return of hostages, is a moral and strategic imperative. It is a deeply emotional moment for Israeli society, and its success would mark a significant achievement. But the true test lies in what comes next, otherwise, the respite from war may be as temporary as the holiday of Succot.
Ensuring that the comprehensive fulfilment of the Trump-Netanyahu vision of a secure Israel leading to a revitalised, prosperous and stable Middle East is contingent upon executing the agreement with resolve and clarity. The second phase must deliver on three critical pillars:
1. Demilitarisation of Hamas: Without the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military infrastructure, any cease-fire will merely be a pause in violence. Hamas must be disarmed, its weapons destroyed, and its ability to reconstitute eliminated. This is not just about Israel’s security; it is about liberating Gaza from the grip of a terrorist regime that has brought ruin to its people.
2. Rigorous screening of humanitarian aid: The agreement calls for huge amounts of aid to flow to Gazans. But as we have seen in the past, Hamas has been able to hijack the aid convoys and thereby control the distribution of aid and thereby the people. In addition, every truck, shipment, and package must be screened to prevent Hamas from rearming under the guise of humanitarian relief. This is a lesson learned from past conflicts, and it must be enforced with international cooperation and technological precision.
3. Establishment of a new governance structure in Gaza: The future of Gaza will look exactly like its past, if it is entrusted to Hamas OR the Palestinian Authority. A new, locally rooted governance must emerge, one that is pragmatic, yet strong enough to stand up to Hamas and other jihadi actors. It must be untainted by corruption and extremism. Anti-Hamas militias and civil society actors who have worked alongside Israel over the past few months must be empowered to foster a Gaza leadership that prioritises the well-being of Gazans and how they can create an environment of coexistence with Israel.
Only with these elements in place can the agreement evolve from a temporary shelter into a canopy of lasting peace. The destruction of Hamas must be unequivocal. Israel must emerge not only victorious but regionally strong, its deterrence restored, its alliances reinforced. This will send a clear message to adversaries and allies alike: Israel is here to stay, and it is an indispensable partner for peace.
The implications extend far beyond Gaza, as this is the Middle East’s “Yalta Moment.” A successful execution of the agreement would catalyse the expansion of the Abraham Accords, drawing in new partners and deepening ties with existing ones. The vision of a US-Israel-Sunni alliance, once aspirational, is now within reach. Arab leaders understand that Islamic radicalism threatens their regimes as much as it threatens Israel. They have watched Israeli air power dominate hostile skies over Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen and recognise that cooperation is not weakness, but necessary.
This moment is not without risk. Hamas will likely resist disarmament. Spoilers may attempt to derail progress. Israel must be prepared for all options, including a return to military force to ensure the fulfilment of this moment. Peace is not just the absence of war, and it must be filled with courage and clarity.
As we sit in our succot, we chant the ancient prayer: “And spread over us the canopy of Your peace.” וּפְרוֹשׂ עָלֵינוּ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמֶךָ. Let this be more than a seasonal blessing. Let it be a vision for our future, a canopy not of branches and cloth, but of faith, strength and security.
Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi is the founder and Chairman of the Israel Defence and Security Forum
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