Hamas, an Israeli Creation?
Image of Hamas spokesman, Abu Ubaidah. Public Domain
Blowback is a term which was coined by the CIA to refer to the unintended negative consequences of a covert operation. Now that the eyes of the world have once again turned to Israel and Palestine, I think it’s important to note that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is an example of blowback.
In the late 1970s, the political landscape in the Palestinian territories was largely dominated by secular nationalist movements like the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) led by Yasser Arafat. However, a new wave of Islamist ideologies began to emerge, driven by a desire for religious identity and resistance against Israeli occupation. It is within this context that Hamas, an Arabic acronym for “Islamic Resistance Movement,” came into existence.
Initially, Israel believed that supporting Islamist groups would undermine the secular nationalist movement. However, this strategy backfired, leading to unintended consequences. Avner Cohen, a former Israeli religious affairs official who worked in Gaza for over two decades, acknowledged that Hamas was, to his great regret, Israel’s creation. The short-sightedness of Israeli policymakers became evident as Hamas grew stronger and more entrenched.
As Hamas gained popularity and influence among Palestinians, Israel’s policy towards the group changed dramatically. The Israeli government shifted from supporting Hamas as a counterbalance to the PLO to viewing them as a major threat. This change in strategy was driven by the increasing violence perpetrated by Hamas, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians.
Understanding Israel’s role in the creation and subsequent confrontation with Hamas is essential to grasp the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. While Israel initially supported Hamas as a strategic move to weaken the secularist PLO, this decision ultimately led to unintended consequences. The rise of Hamas has had a profound impact on the conflict, making the path to peace more challenging and exacerbating the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
