tickleandrose
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Lets look at this war from practical point of view. Right now, Israel is bombing Gaza non stop, and its got over 300000 troops ready to go, tanks refueled. People have estimated, that so far, Israel would have spent between 1.5 to 2.1 billion US for the war effort. And this is a double edged sword, because most of the reservists would have day time jobs, and often are aged in their prime. So, there is this additional cost, plus loss of productivity. And this will cause huge economic problems for Israel going forward.
Noted, the method used by HAMAS is deliberately cruel. Which means, its aim is not to attack Israel per se. Because even with 1500 casualties, and 222 hostages, its not going to change the status quo. I believe, its goal is to draw the mighty Israel war machine into close quarter combat in ruined cities, using asymmetric tactics. It is not expecting any victory, but attempt to get the Israel armies involved enough to turn this in to a protracted campaign. This will drain away Israel's productivity, and put it into deep economic downturn. In many ways, this is like the Vietnam war, where the US had to win to win, but the Vietcoms does not have to win to win.
What happens in the next few weeks will be critical for Israel. If it draws into a protracted conflict, on background of higher oil prices, higher interest rates, higher inflation, and stagnation of US economy. Then, I am truly fearful for Israel as a nation.
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