Asymmetrical Warfare in the Gaza Strip: A Test Case

dc.creator	Dan Harel
dc.date	2012-04-01T00:00:00Z
dc.date.accessioned	2015-07-20T20:08:09Z
dc.date.available	2015-07-20T20:08:09Z
dc.identifier	2307-793X
dc.identifier	2307-8634
dc.identifier	https://doaj.org/article/ddcc4ff54a6b4877b8af962357d84200
dc.identifier.uri	http://evidence.thinkportal.org/handle/123456789/8013
dc.identifier.uri	https://doaj.org/article/ddcc4ff54a6b4877b8af962357d84200
dc.description	When analyzing the relative forces of Israel and Hamas, it is obvious that the IDF is the more powerful: it comprises hundreds of thousands of soldiers, thousands of tanks, planes and ships. By contrast, Hamas is the seemingly weak side, as it has only tens of thousands of combatants and no heavy weapons. Clearly, one would think that when the two sides engage in battle the strong would win out over the weak. However, it is also clear that this is simply not the case. It would be a grave mistake to measure the relative force between the two sides by taking a superficial view. In fact, because of the weak side's need to confront the strong, Israel is dragged into confrontations on other plans that to a very great extent determine the outcome of the military engagement, not only at the tactical level but also and particularly at the systemic and strategic levels. This is the essence of an asymmetrical conflict. It therefore behooves us to investigate asymmetry. Asymmetry between entities is measured not only in terms of force but also exists in every aspect in which there is a difference in the nature of the conflicting sides, in their goals, power, methods of operation, and especially the rules of the game by which they play.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	Institute for National Security Studies
dc.relation	http://d26e8pvoto2x3r.cloudfront.net/uploadimages/import/(file)1339051735.pdf
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/2307-793X
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/2307-8634
dc.rights	CC BY
dc.source	Military and Strategic Affairs, Vol 4, Iss 1, Pp 17-24 (2012)
dc.subject	Israel
dc.subject	Hamas
dc.subject	Gaza
dc.subject	asymmetry warfare
dc.subject	ideology
dc.subject	military
dc.subject	civilian
dc.subject	IDF
dc.subject	tactical level
dc.subject	weapons
dc.subject	terrorist
dc.subject	Operation Cast Lead
dc.subject	Military Science
dc.subject	U
dc.subject	DOAJ:Military Science
dc.subject	DOAJ:Technology and Engineering
dc.subject	Military Science
dc.subject	U
dc.subject	DOAJ:Military Science
dc.subject	DOAJ:Technology and Engineering
dc.subject	Military Science
dc.subject	U
dc.subject	Military Science
dc.subject	U
dc.subject	Military Science
dc.subject	U
dc.title	Asymmetrical Warfare in the Gaza Strip: A Test Case
dc.type	Article