Israel's reluctance to inflict a decisive defeat of Hamas in Operation Pillar of Defense indicates its desire for a new arrangement for the Gaza Strip. A preferred outcome would be an Egyptian role in Gaza, providing Israel with a real government with whom it could negotiate.

The operation also proved Israel's determination to act forcefully in the post "Arab Spring" environment. However, the lack of a ground offensive allowed Hamas to craft a victory narrative and gave it the potential to re-arm.