The Israeli government defined four objectives for Operation Pillar of Defense: rehabilitating deterrence, significantly hindering the Gaza-based terrorist organization's military and organizational capabilities, minimizing the rocket fire and providing quiet on a long-term basis in the south. At the time these words were written, it appeared Israel would need to begin activating ground forces, despite its reservations. Not merely because the goals of the operation haven't been met, but because the opposite would be the case in terms of deterrence. Meanwhile, Hamas' status would be greatly upgraded, something it could only have dreamed of achieving beforehand. It's clear that the moment the order for a ground incursion is given, Israel's political leaders will be required to endure a variety of pressures. Withstanding these pressures while striving to meet the operation's objectives will be the ultimate test of leadership for Israel's decision-makers, but every result from the current round of fighting must include absolute quiet for Israelis living in the south similar to the situation in the north opposite Hezbollah. The big question is how to assure the other side upholds its side of the agreement for the long term. It was correct to enlist Egypt to the diplomatic efforts, however doubtful it is that the government in Cairo desires such a result, considering its own ideology. Therefore, the path to long-term quiet goes through Washington. The leverage used until now to preserve the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt must be implemented. It appears that today the vast majority of the U.S. Congress and Senate can be convinced that to achieve regional calm and stability which is an American interest as much as Israel's the rocket fire from Gaza must be tied to a reduction in U.S. foreign aid to Egypt. If this idea is adopted by President Barack Obama, it will become a law in the United States. All sides except Hamas will profit. The Egyptians will restore their eroded status as leaders of the Arab world. They will also be able to protect themselves against future surprises like the one Hamas provided when it decided to ignite the area in recent months despite Egypt's explicit request. Additionally, they will be able to neutralize extremist elements like those that slaughtered Egyptian soldiers stationed in their outpost near the Kerem Shalom border crossing and minimize Iranian influence in the Gaza Strip. The U.S. will restore its leadership role in the Middle East and counter Russian efforts to minimize U.S. influence in the region. Any step that can enhance future stability is an American interest, because it hinders the ability of extremist Islamist groups to organize and entrench themselves in Gaza. Israel will benefit from the prevention of these groups rearming themselves through Sinai smuggling routes. Indeed, once this also becomes an Egyptian interest, we will suddenly see that Cairo is capable of enforcing it. We can also assume that under such conditions, Egypt will also act to prevent rocket and mortar fire at Israel. To make this possible upon the cessation of the current round of fighting, the groundwork must be prepared for it while simultaneously exploiting all of Israel's connections in Washington.
