Israel Eyes Strategic Shift After Death of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar, Sees Opportunity for Peace and Stability

With the death of Yahya Sinwar, Israel finds itself at a crucial juncture in its longstanding conflict with Hamas.

Sinwar, a key figure behind numerous terrorist attacks and the architect of the October 7 massacre was more than just a leader of Hamas — he embodied its brutal tactics.

His death presents Israel with a significant tactical victory, but more importantly, it offers a strategic opportunity to reshape the future of Gaza, Lebanon, and potentially Israel’s internal politics.

The surprise killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar serves as a significant symbolic victory for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. STEPHANI SPINDEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Israel now has the chance to declare victory and move forward with a decisive, long-term strategy aimed at breaking the cycle of violence. However, for this moment to be genuinely transformative, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government must act swiftly and strategically. There are three critical fronts Israel must address: rebuilding Gaza, neutralising Hezbollah in Lebanon, and advancing peace talks with Saudi Arabia.

The latter could involve the controversial trilateral normalisation plan U.S. President Joe Biden proposed nearly a year ago. This plan envisions Israel and Saudi Arabia engaging in economic cooperation and normalising ties, with the U.S. supporting them and providing security guarantees.

Former Israeli Knesset member and military commander Doron Avital says Sinwar’s death offers a range of opportunities for a much-needed Gaza war reset.

Domestically, this moment could also prompt the formation of a new unity government in Israel, stabilising the country’s political landscape and paving the way for lasting peace and security.

Sinwar’s death could be a turning point, particularly in ending the war in Gaza, which erupted after Hamas’s deadly October 7 attack. Doron Avital, a former Israeli Knesset member and commander during the 1982 Lebanon War, highlighted the significance of this moment.

“The score has finally been set, and symbolically, we can begin to consider two key moves forward,” Avital said. “First, securing the release of the hostages who are still alive. Second, we need to determine what governance in Gaza will look like now that Hamas is severely weakened.”

Sinwar’s death, along with other key Hamas leaders like Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh, opens the door to a new future for Gaza. For decades, Israel has been trapped in a cycle of violence, reacting to attacks without a clear endgame. Now, with Hamas’s leadership in disarray, Israel has the chance to adopt a forward-thinking, long-term strategy.

After more than a year in captivity, Israelis hope Sinwar’s death will help bring their hostages back home. REUTERS

One of Israel’s primary tasks will be to lead the reconstruction of Gaza’s devastated infrastructure. This is not only a humanitarian imperative but a strategic necessity. Palestinians must be involved in this process, potentially through cooperation with a reformed Palestinian Authority backed by moderate Arab nations. The U.S. and the European Union will also need to provide financial support and apply diplomatic pressure to ensure that Hamas, or any other extremist group, does not regain control.

A comprehensive reconstruction plan should focus on delivering humanitarian aid, rebuilding schools, hospitals, and homes, and fostering new leadership in Gaza free from Hamas’s influence. Sinwar’s death is likely to be welcomed by moderate Sunni countries, which could offer Israel the diplomatic leverage needed to pursue a new administrative approach for Gaza.

Israel’s focus should not be limited to Gaza. It must also address the threat posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon. With Hamas weakened, Israel has a unique opportunity to deliver a strategic blow to Hezbollah, a group that has been under pressure due to internal Lebanese instability and international scrutiny. A coordinated, two-front approach targeting both Hamas and Hezbollah could remove two of Israel’s most significant security threats.

To capitalise on this moment, Israel’s political leadership must be unified. Netanyahu may need to consider forming a unity government that includes opposition figures such as Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, and Avigdor Lieberman.

The key to moving forward in the Middle East is rebuilding Gaza’s shattered infrastructure. ZUMAPRESS.com

Such a government would provide stability, offer a united front in dealing with the challenges ahead, and demonstrate responsible governance to the international community. It could also schedule new elections in a year, allowing the Israeli public to help shape the country’s future direction.

A unity government would send a strong signal that Israel is ready to manage the complex dynamics of post-Sinwar Gaza, tackle the ongoing threat from Hezbollah, and seize the opportunity presented by the Biden-Saudi peace initiative. This would also improve Israel’s international image, showing that the country is capable of not only military victories but also strategic planning and long-term diplomacy.

Sinwar’s death follows the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh this past summer in Iran. AFP via Getty Images

From this perspective, Sinwar’s death could be far more than a military success. If Israel acts wisely, this moment could mark a strategic breakthrough, reshaping Gaza, neutralising Hezbollah, and opening the door to peace with Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab world. Domestically, a reconstituted government would provide the political stability and consensus needed to navigate these critical challenges.

With Sinwar dead and Hamas effectively neutralised, Israel must now find a way out of its deadly conflagration with Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has left widespread damage in its capital, Beirut. Ximena Borrazas/SOPA Images/Shutterstock

Yahya Sinwar’s death presents Israel with a rare opportunity to break the cycle of endless conflict. Israel can chart a new course toward lasting security and peace in the region through decisive military action, smart diplomacy, and political unity.

*Dan Perry is a former Associated Press regional editor for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He chaired the Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem and authored two books on Israel.*