After it ends, the war in Gaza will still continue to shape Israel
Its defence posture and economy will feel the effects for years
Israel’s generals are calling 2024 a “year of warfare”. That is quite a prediction, given the bloodshed of 2023. They believe it will take many months to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities. For now, Israel’s focus remains on its immediate battles in Gaza and the fate of the more than 130 hostages still held there. But it is increasingly obvious that even after the fighting ends, the impact of this war will be felt for years on Israel’s military strategy and by extension on its economy.
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This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “The price of conflict”
Middle East & Africa January 20th 2024
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