Israel largely achieved its military objectives in its recent war with Hamas, but the terror organization managed to achieve its political objectives despite its massive losses. This is only the beginning of a Hamas campaign to establish itself as the standard bearer for all Palestinians, including Israel’s Arab citizens.

While many in the West were quick to condemn Israel for its response to Hamas’s attacks on its population centers, they must face up to the fact that there is no difference between the Islamist terror organization’s commitment to Israel’s destruction and its plans for the West. As its long-time leader Khaled Mash’al warned the Western nations amidst the world crisis over the satirical depictions of Muhammad in a Danish newspaper: “By Allah, you will be defeated... Tomorrow we will lead the world, Allah willing.” 

Though firing over 3,500 rockets and missiles at Israeli cities, towns, and villages, more than it did during the 51-day conflict in 2014, Hamas’ military infrastructure has suffered massive damage that will set back the terrorist organization a number of years, according to Israeli estimates.