Former Israel's Intelligence Chief Says Hamas Can't Be Destroyed Without A Two-National Solution

Israeli Tanks in Gaza. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - Without a two-state solution framework, Hamas will not be destroyed and will develop again, according to former head of Israel's intelligence agency Shin Bet.

"We have to understand that this war is happening on both sides. The first is the battlefield, but the other is the idea war and Hamas will only be defeated on the second side," Ami Ayalon told CNN, as quoted on February 1.

He further said that the only way to beat Hamas was by a two-state solution, the establishment of a Palestinian state.

"A big defeat to Hamas is the future of two countries. And unless we discuss the future of the two countries, there is no way to beat Hamas and create a better political horizon for Palestine and Israel," he said.

Ayalon also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not represent the views of the majority of the Israeli people.

PM Netanyahu is known to reject a two-state solution with the creation of a Palestinian state, assessing it will collide with Israel's security interests.

Meanwhile, the two-state solution continues to be echoed by a number of countries in the world, including traditional allies of Israel, the United States to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,

"And unfortunately, you know, he is leading us," said Ayalon.

"We will hold elections in a few months and we must find the right way to achieve a better future," he added.

Ayalon added that US President Joe Biden's push towards a two-state solution was considered a strong leadership, as "he fills the leadership vacuum in Israel." He also blamed extremists on both parties in conflict for causing the region to experience a situation like this.