Opinion

In fight against Hamas, Israel needs to be certain of its ‘big ideas’

“Get the big ideas right.” That’s the fundamental conclusion of “Conflict,” a new history of warfare since 1945 by retired Army Gen. David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts. And it applies emphatically to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

Israel’s biggest idea in this war — its overriding mission — is to destroy the military and governing power of Hamas. That’s surely a correct goal; most Arab analysts recognize the menace of Hamas as clearly as the Israelis do, although they might not say it out loud. But there are other big ideas, too, starting with the need to avoid unwise actions that expand the war, arouse international opposition and leave Israel more vulnerable.