How Israel's Attacks Create a Cycle of Violence

The IDF's military strategy has become increasingly offensive, with attacks on both Yemen and Qatar recently. As Israel ramps up its siege on Gaza, it plans to dismantle perceived opposition to its genocide. Two weeks ago, Israel killed Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi along with thirty-five others. Just two days ago, Qatar fell victim to strikes on "Hamas leaders" in its country. In typical Israeli fashion, a Qatari official was killed as collateral damage, all while Hamas leaders survived. The world has stayed silent. Israel has a repeated history of subjecting its Middle Eastern neighbors to large acts of violence. Indeed, it is a go-to tactic in the IDF's playbook called the Dohiya doctrine. The strategy calls for large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure, disproportionate force, and deliberate targeting of civilians. General Gadi Eisenkot, former chief of General Staff, coined the term in 2008 while referring back to the 2006 Lebanon War. "What happened in the Dahiya quarter of Beirut in 2006 will happen in every village from which Israel is fired on… We will apply disproportionate force on it (village) and cause great damage and destruction there. From our standpoint, these are not civilian villages, they are military bases… This is not a recommendation. This is a plan. And it has been approved." Unfortunately, Eisenkot's policy has been widely adopted by Israel. We saw it in Yemen. We saw it in Qatar. We will continue to see it until Israel faces justice at the hands of international bodies. Crucially, the Dohiya doctrine is forbidden by law. Yet, no one cares.

In the coming days, weeks, and years, Qatar will feel betrayed. Indeed, the Middle East's central model of operating in foreign policy has been broken. For decades, the Gulf States prioritized appeasing the U.S because they perceived a reward for their willingness to help. However, as Israel struck Qatar, irreparable damage was done to Qatar's view of the West. "This has real repercussions for the relationship," said Patrick Theros, a former US ambassador to Qatar. Israel acts without regard for its consequences, as evident through 75 years of history. Today, the nation's dangerous political rhetoric, coupled with its even more damaging actions, cannot go overlooked. Qatar, in spite of its endless efforts to align with Western interests, finds itself at a tipping point. Regarding the U.S, Qatar has played a useful role as a mediator between Hamas and Israel, as well as with the U.S and the Taliban. However, Qatar is now less likely to continue its part in mediation with Netanyahu bombing the country at his own will. A deterioration of Qatari-U.S. relations spells disaster for regional stability. Indeed, Qatari officials have already withdrawn from the ceasefire negotiations. However, that's exactly what Israel wants. Indeed, the country realizes its relentless assaults only create cycles of violence, whether it is Hamas or Houthis. The strategy is simple: if Israel fuels the flames of terrorist groups through escalation, then they have an excuse to continue disproportionate attacks. Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen are all examples of this strategy coming to light. Let's quickly imagine a scenario. A man threatens violence against your family, and then carries it out. Now, you are the last surviving member of your bloodline. Would you or would you not try your hardest to get revenge? After repeated incidents, most would fight back. In the past 75 years of history, those who have fought back have been labeled terrorists. The "intifada" has become synonymous with terrorism instead of its actual meaning: uprising. Indeed, Israel and the West have created entire terrorist groups in their endless pursuit of power. A famous example is in Syria, where the frequent killings of political leaders opened the door for Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to fight against Syria's government forces. Yet, adding fuel to the fire is necessary to keep up appearances of right vs. wrong. If militant groups like Hamas continue, Israel has a pass to commit any atrocity they want. Unfortunately, the past two years have only proved this strategy effective. No country has truly been willing to stand up against Israel's impenetrable force as a country heavily backed by U.S technology and military. The key piece of the puzzle goes back to the Dohiya doctrine, where it specifically calls for "disproportionate force". Terrorists are outmatched by a well-funded, oppressive military with nuclear weapons at its disposal. Israel knows that. Indeed, it allows them to continue their offensive strategy with confidence, creating a cycle of violence.

So, what's the end goal? In the process, Netanyahu plans to create a "Greater Israel". The continued existence of terrorist attacks only validates his dream. That's because Israel thrives on violence. The state has the means to reduce other nations' civilian infrastructure, army populations, and military bases to rubble. Yet, it needs an excuse to do so. Uprising gives exactly that: an exigence. Essentially, it's a meticulously designed trap.

Israel, in and of itself, is a terrorist state. Through its abuse of international law, horrific acts of ethnic cleansing, and violent military strategy, that much is clear. With each murdered civilian, the state only grows stronger. Remember, targeting of civilians is built into the IDF as a central approach to creating another reason to attack and annex more territory. Israel will continue to violate the sovereignty of other nations and, in the process, perpetuate more violence in the long run. Unfortunately, the only way to end the cycle is to hold Israel accountable for its actions in the hands of international law, as arrest warrants for Netanyahu go completely disregarded. Yet, as Arab nations come together, hope is not lost. France and the U.K. have taken the first step by calling for recognition of Palestinian sovereignty. Although more substantial policy action is needed, global condemnation of Israel's actions is increasing, signaling a positive progression. In the final analysis, at the global level, Israel must not be allowed to continue its current plan of action.