According to Ephraim Halevy, a former director of the Mossad Intelligence Agency, the ceasefire agreement with Hamas that brought an end to Operation Pillar of Defense is “shrouded in mystery”.

In an address before a Technion University audience, Halevy stated there are certain things that we do know, including the fact that the permitted fishing area opposite the Hamas-controlled Gaza shore has doubled as a result of that agreement. He explains that anyone watching the world media reports can see the smiling Gaza fisherman and those earning their livelihood in the local fish industry.

He added that we also know Israel has permitted importing large quantities of building materials into Gaza and buses have begun running once again. As to what else is in store, he admits it remains under the veil of mystery surrounding the ceasefire document.

He pointed out that both the prime minister and defense minister stated that while they achieved their operational goals in the counter-terrorism offensive, “one cannot know what lies ahead in the coming weeks and months” and he believes there will be another round of fighting if nothing is done to change today’s reality.

Halevy feels that “Hamas may one day walk the same path of Saudi Arabia and Egypt” and therefore, the political echelon must act on the diplomatic channel with Hamas as well, “not just by the sword”.

“There must be a practical and not ideological solution” he feels, and as such, Israel must enter into a dialogue with Hamas.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)