After two years of stubborn fighting in Gaza and on the verge of a ceasefire, it is possible to summarize, at least somewhat, the Gaza war that, in its wake, led to additional arenas.
In truth, the positive or negative results of war cannot be measured until the smells of gunpowder and bombing have faded and been forgotten. It usually takes a long time for the dust of war to settle and the insights that follow.
The summaries of success and failure of wars that have not been clearly decided are measured over the months and years that follow and are difficult to analyze immediately in the midst of the fighting.
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From a close perspective, and when the pain and wounds have not yet subsided and healed, it is difficult for the body and heart to analyze the results with cold, honest analysis, and it is even more difficult for them to neglect the pain and focus on the good things that came in the wake of the war.
No one imagined that the stubborn enemy of Gaza would succeed in making it difficult for us and hurting us for two years, and it seems that he had the power to inflict even more pain on us.
Who would have believed that the Gazan terrorist organizations would exact such harsh prices from us, tens of times higher than the prices of the war against Hezbollah and Iran?.
It is difficult to talk about victory when thousands and hundreds of soldiers paid with their bodies and lives, and especially when the fierce enemy has not been defeated and is still standing on its feet.
Still, in the current war, several victories can be noted that will resonate here for many years to come.
Israeli deterrence is back
First and foremost, we can mark a great victory for the dismantling of the Hezbollah organization, which has terrorized Israeli citizens for decades. If it weren't for the war in Gaza, we would still be facing the existential threat looming over us from the north of the country.
In addition, we can declare loudly: the Israeli deterrence that was eroded and battered before the war, time and again - has returned to full force!
After the great destruction left in Gaza and the Prime Minister's steadfast determination to fight on and on, even when most world leaders stand by in fury, it is difficult to see a country that would dare to challenge the Israeli lion. Even those who threaten war today know deep down that these are only warmongers.
In addition, it can be said clearly and decisively - the State of Israel after the 'Iron Swords' War is not the same country it was before.
On the intelligence side, I am confident that the lesson has been learned and the neglect and disdain that existed here before the war will have difficulty finding their place in Israeli intelligence for many years to come.
On the military side too, Israel's disillusionment will not let its enemies raise their heads and will nip any small threat before it grows. This does not mean that we will not face more challenges and wars, especially since terrorist organizations and deterrence do not always synchronize, but I am confident that we will come to any terror and challenge seven times more prepared than before.
Tuition fees are unbearable
And to the substance of the ceasefire agreement.
If we admit the truth, the fact that we had to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas and didn't reach a situation where we have no one to make an agreement with is a bit of a failure.
And yet, even after all the reasons for Hamas's indecisiveness, reasons that are some true and some false, from a broad perspective, it is clear that Israel has the upper hand.
With all the difficulty and pain and heavy prices that will follow the difficult deal - and they will certainly come - the current deal is not a deal like its predecessors. This time, after two years of fierce war, Israel is reaching an agreement with Hamas from a place of strength.
The current ceasefire is not just another pause between rounds. It is a ceasefire that came after an unbearable tuition. The lessons learned from the current war will accompany us all for many more years, years of victory and strength.
And for all the naysayers and grumpy people of all kinds, remember two things. First of all, I don't understand how you can grumble and cry about failure when we don't have the full details of the agreement.
But mostly, I find it hard to understand how past experience doesn't teach us to give appreciation and respect to the Prime Minister, who has already struck an agreement with Hezbollah, an agreement that ultimately proved to be one of the best agreements we've had here in the country.
Give a little respect to the man who has already taught us at least one lesson in modesty.
A moment before the end, we can calm down. Part of the agreement is that Israel's freedom of military action will be maintained in the south of the country as well, no less than what is happening on the northern border.
