Uncertain of Egypt since the advent of the Muslim Brotherhood to power, Israel tested not only Hamas but also Cairo when it launched its offensive, nominally aimed at coercing Hamas to halt the launch of missiles and rockets toward the communities of southern Israel. It ended with Hamas stronger politically, and Netanyahu, in his own announcement of the cease-fire, appearing chastened. Polls showed half of Israelis wanted the assault to continue. “Israel went into this operation with the goal of restoring deterrence, and came out of it the party being deterred,” says Blecher. ”If I were Israel, I’d be really hesitant about doing this again, if the cease-fire unravels down the road.”
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