The war for hearts and minds
Even when we think that we have crushed them with unbearable blows, Gazans' motivation remains intact and the connection between military and civilians solid.
Even though 69 years have passed since World War II ended, it continues to inspire new books as authors and readers try to unravel how such pure evil could occur in the midst of a civilized nation.
British historian Ian Kershaw, who attempted to provide an explanation in his book "The End", seeks to explain why most Germans continued to support the Nazi regime, even in the final year of the war when it was clear to everyone that the Nazis were facing defeat.
In a sea of documents, the testimony of one captive German soldier drew my attention: "If we won't win, Germany will cease to exist. Therefore we shall win. Spirit versus matter. To this day technology has never succeeded in conquering the spirit".
Many Israelis see Hamas as a military dictatorship that supports the annihilation of another nation to promote its ideological agenda. They are convinced that the people of Gaza also perceive Hamas as an evil entity that disregards civilian lives, including those of women and children, in a military campaign they cannot win.
Those who see Operation Protective Edge as a battle for the Palestinian consciousness are most likely wrong. The assumption that it is possible to separate between Hamas' army of militants and Gaza's civilian population probably stems from our own wishful thinking, rather than any actual reality.
It's a fact that the wars in Gaza keep happening. Even when we think that we have crushed them with unbearable blows, their motivation remains intact and the cooperation between the militias and the civilian population is still solid.
Our war against the Gazan terrorism is mainly for the Israeli consciousness. In military terms, we are far stronger than they are, and our economy can sustain this enduring battle. Our weak spot is our difficulty to absorb losses, and our humanistic approach to the lives of the enemy's civilian population.
There is also the inner conflict that takes place among us: Should we confront terror by military means alone, or also employ diplomatic measures?
Hamas is trying to take advantage of these soft spots in Israeli society. They are firing their rockets at centers of civilian population and trying to hurt the IDF soldiers operating against them. At a certain stage, when the international pressure on Israel increases and the number of fatalities rises, the basis for a mutual ceasefire crystallizes.
With the talks in Cairo apparently in tatters, one should try to summarize the operation's achievements. There is a belief that while we haven't yet achieved military victory, we have won the battle for the public consciousness?
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon keeps using the term "seared into the consciousness". The assumption is that the heavy bombardment on the people of Gaza will burn their bodies so badly it will affect their minds as well. History has proven that this doesn't work.
Are we so certain that we can win? According to the residents of the Gaza border communities who have protested to demand greater security, the situation has not changed. And with the Gazans still on their side, Hamas is now winning the battle for the Israeli consciousness.
