In recent years, nonstate armed groups have risen to prominence, challenging the traditional norms of international relations and governance. Two entities, in particular, have been at the forefront of this shift: the Palestinian faction Hamas and Russia’s Wagner Group. These groups, operating independently of traditional state structures, are reshaping geopolitical landscapes and causing ripples in the global order.

Barry Shaw, the international public diplomacy director at the Israel Institute for Strategic Studies, likened Hamas to Russia’s Wagner Group, pointing out their tendency to operate outside of traditional military ethics and international military law. While the Wagner Group acted as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s de facto force, often outperforming his regular army, Hamas has asserted its dominance in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas’s rise can be traced back to its aggressive takeover of Gaza, pushing out the Palestinian Authority (PA). Today, the PA, which is recognized by many international entities as the official representative of the Palestinian people, finds itself sidelined in Gaza. Moreover, despite the PA’s supposed authority over certain territories, Hamas’ influence is creeping into towns outside the Gaza Strip, challenging the PA’s governance.

Similarly, the Wagner Group’s operations, although covert, have had significant geopolitical impacts. Notably, their involvement in conflicts in places like Syria and Libya has altered the dynamics on the ground, often in Russia’s favor.

Just as Hezbollah acts as Iran’s unofficial armed wing, exerting influence in places like Lebanon and Syria, Hamas, backed by Iran, exerts its power in Palestinian territories and beyond. Yet, the international community, including bodies like the UN, have been slow to act against these nonstate actors, allowing them to operate with relative impunity.

The recent flare-up between Israel and the Palestinians offers a case study in the impact of such groups. Labeled by some as Israel’s “9/11 moment” , this episode not only demonstrated a significant intelligence lapse but also marked a shift in how Israel perceives its security challenges. Following a barrage of rockets, Palestinian fighters used various entry points into Israel, leading to widespread devastation. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since declared a “long and difficult war” against Hamas, laying the blame squarely on the group for the recent escalation.

This surge in violence, with its origins in Gaza – a territory controlled by Hamas since 2005 – offers a window into the group’s tactics. Their audacious attacks, seizing military assets and taking hostages, underscore their boldness and capability.

The unfolding situation has forced Israel to fundamentally reconsider its military strategy. As it bolsters its forces in anticipation of further conflict, there is growing concern about the challenges of ground operations in urban areas. Such a move would risk Israeli troops entering zones where Hamas can seamlessly blend in with the civilian population. Historically, this is a scenario the Israeli Defense Force has sought to avoid, but it appears to be one that Hamas is strategically pushing them toward.

The rise of nonstate actors, such as Hamas and the Wagner Group, underlines a shift in global dynamics. The West, while less violent in recent times, is not immune, with right-wing factions becoming more entwined in politics and law enforcement, adding to the complexities.

Rather than attempting to suppress these groups, the global community needs to find ways to coexist, crafting policies to mitigate their negative impacts without yielding to their malign influence. The unchecked power of such entities, operating outside of internationally accepted war norms, threatens to embolden other similar groups, exacerbating global instability. The world needs to act with urgency and foresight to navigate this evolving challenge.

Israel’s last breath?

In a recent article in the Hebrew newspaper Haaretz, prominent Zionist writer Ari Shavit suggests that Israel may have reached a point of no return, emphasizing the need for recognizing Palestinian rights and ending the occupation.

Shavit argues that Israel seems incapable of ceasing its occupation, halting settlements, or achieving peace. He further notes that if such conditions persist, the motivation for living in Israel diminishes, hinting at the potential exodus of Israelis to other countries. He urges Israelis to develop a new political language that acknowledges the Palestinians’ deep-rooted ties to the land.

Additionally, Shavit highlights that while Israel has long leaned on foreign alliances, ultimately, only Israelis can save “Israel” from itself. The recognition that Palestinians are deeply connected to the land is essential for the country’s survival.

Historical and archaeological claims are also debated. Shavit mentions the challenges to traditional Zionist narratives, referencing Israeli and Western archaeologists who dispute the existence of Solomon’s Temple beneath the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Notably, British archaeologist Dr. Kathleen Kenyon, in her 1968 excavation, found no evidence supporting the Temple’s existence there.

Shavit ends with an acknowledgment that perhaps the Palestinians represent a unique challenge in history, emphasizing the urgency of recognizing their rights and terminating the occupation for peace.