An alternative vision for defeating Hamas 

The vision of the Zionist right for defeating Hamas is well known. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined it very clearly at his cabinet meeting on March 31. The government's plan for defeating Hamas relies on sustained military and diplomatic pressure, which he claims is already yielding results.  

Netanyahu’s strategy involves "pounding Hamas's military and governing capabilities" while simultaneously creating "the conditions for releasing our hostages." In the final stage, "Hamas will lay down its weapons," its leaders will leave, and Israel will ensure security in Gaza while allowing "the realization of the Trump plan for voluntary migration."  

The Zionist left is deeply discomforted by this vision, but what is its alternative? 

Eran Etzion outlined it to a group from The Democrats, a new centre-left political party formed from the remains of Labor and Meretz and led by Yair Golan. Etzion is an Israeli diplomat who served as an advisor during the Oslo negotiations and is on The  Democrats leadership council. 

He proposes implementing Phases Two and Three of the Hostage Deal, an agreement already signed by Netanyahu and Hamas on January 18. This deal would ensure the immediate release of all Israeli hostages while simultaneously ending the war and hopefully paving the way for prompt elections in Israel. 

Another key element of the plan is the establishment of a multinational force, potentially comprising Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, with leadership under the Palestinian Authority.