That there is something especially cruel or horrible about Israel’s war against Hamas—distinct from the horrors brought about by all wars—is widely believed, even, it seems, by many Jews. But, as a matter of fact, writes John Spencer, what makes this war unusual are the extraordinary lengths the IDF has taken to protect the lives of enemy civilians. He adduces much evidence, but this is the crux:
The predominant Western theory of executing wars, called maneuver warfare, seeks to shatter an enemy morally and physically with surprising, overwhelming force and speed, striking at the political and military centers of gravity so that the enemy is destroyed or surrenders quickly. This was the case in the invasions of Panama in 1989, Afghanistan in 2001, Iraq in 2003, and the failed illegal attempt by Russia to take Ukraine in 2022. In all these cases, no warning or time was given to evacuate cities.
In many ways, Israel has had to abandon this established playbook in order to prevent civilian harm. The IDF has telegraphed almost every move ahead of time so civilians can relocate, nearly always ceding the element of surprise. This has allowed Hamas to reposition its senior leaders (and the Israel hostages) as needed through the dense urban terrain of Gaza and the miles of underground tunnels it’s built.
These measures were effective. Israel was able to evacuate upwards of 85 percent of the urban areas in northern Gaza before the heaviest fighting began. . . . Israel’s opponents are erasing a remarkable, historic new standard Israel has set.
Read more on Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/israel-has-created-new-standard-urban-warfare-why-will-no-one-admit-it-opinion-1883286