Israel’s 9/11 — A General Assesses the Hamas War: Rafah’s Value, Gaza’s Future, and Effects on U.S. and Saudi Relations

Since Hamas and allies invaded Israel, killed 1,200 Israelis and others, and seized more than 240 hostages Oct. 7, Israel has conducted a methodical military campaign in Gaza that has uncovered hundreds of miles of tunnels, eliminated some of Hamas’ most senior leaders, and killed, by IDF estimates, more than 13,000 terrorist fighters. How important is an operation in the southern city of Rafah for mission success? What does the future hold for Gaza? What are the long-term effects on Israel’s relationship with the United States and the hopes for normalization with Saudi Arabia? What are the risks of a full-scale war with Hezbollah? Addressing those issues for CIE’s 25th weekly webinar, airing Wednesday, April 3, at noon ET, is reserve IDF Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, the founder and chairman of the Israel Defense and Security Forum and a former deputy commander of the Gaza Division. He joins Dr. Ken Stein, CIE’s president and an Emory University emeritus professor of Middle East history, political science and Israel studies.