Inside Story

Israel: Waging an unwinnable assault on Gaza?

As international support wanes, we discuss if Tel Aviv can afford to continue its assault on Gaza.

The Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip has entered its 22nd day. That is the same duration as Operation Cast Lead, an assault launched on Gaza in 2009.

Both operations started with similar objectives, to stop Palestinian rocket fire into Israel. But just as in 2009, Israel’s current offensive has been overshadowed by the number of civilian deaths that rises day by day.

Is history bound to repeat itself in Gaza? And can Israel really achieve its stated objectives?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan

Guests:

Yousef Munayyer, the executive director of the Palestinian Centre.

Elias Hanna, a former military general and lecturer the American University of Beirut.

Yair Evron, who set up the Security Studies programme at Tel Aviv University, and is the author of the book, Israel’s Nuclear Dilemma.