The war in Gaza has lasted over 19 months without Israel reaching its main goal of defeating Palestinian resistance, especially Hamas. Western countries have strongly supported Israel, calling its actions self-defense. This support includes military aid, diplomatic backing, and economic help. Israel has imposed a full siege on Gaza by land, sea, and air, yet Palestinian groups continue to fight back.
Despite Gaza’s heavy destruction, Hamas and other groups remain active. They still fire rockets and carry out complex attacks. Last month, Hamas fighters ambushed Israeli soldiers near Beit Hanoun using tunnels and RPGs, injuring three soldiers and killing one Israeli officer with a bomb. This showed that Israel’s claim of controlling certain areas is not entirely true. Hamas has proven it can gather intelligence and strike precisely, even against one of the world’s most advanced militaries.
This situation is similar to the Vietnam War. The United States had more weapons and support but could not defeat the determined Vietnamese fighters. Israel faces the same challenge: superior firepower cannot defeat a deeply committed resistance. The Gaza war is turning into Israel’s Vietnam—a long, costly conflict with no clear victory.
Israel’s problems extend beyond the battlefield. Its political system and intelligence agencies are struggling. The government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces internal crises with resignations and blame-shifting. The surprise Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, exposed serious weaknesses in Israel’s security system, showing failures by key intelligence agencies.
This attack caused political divisions inside Israel and deep unrest in the military. Many reservists refuse to serve, and some veterans express doubts about the war’s goals and morality. The long war is also harming Israel’s economy. The government spends around $260 million daily on the war. Foreign investment is falling, and tourism has dropped sharply because of security fears. Israel is no longer seen as a safe place to visit or do business. While aid from the US and UK helps, this support faces growing public pressure to end the war.
International support for Israel is shifting. Former US President Donald Trump criticized the war and suggested it should end. For many years, Israel had international protection from accountability, but the Gaza war is breaking down that shield. Since October 7, public opinion worldwide has changed, with millions demanding a ceasefire. Western governments find it harder to fully support Israel, and close ties with US policy have become a political liability.
Israel also faces legal challenges. The International Court of Justice is investigating whether Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide. Although the process will be lengthy and not all countries accept the court’s rulings, the case has major political importance and could harm Israel’s global standing and implicate its leaders.
Within Israel, about 1,000 Israeli Air Force personnel protested the war in a letter and could face expulsion. This reflects deep unease within the military. Pro-Palestinian protests in Western universities are growing but often face strong opposition, showing how divisive the conflict has become worldwide.
Israel’s war on Gaza is becoming harder to maintain. The situation closely resembles the US experience in Vietnam, where a high-tech military is stuck in a long, costly, and politically damaging fight. Israel faces a determined enemy, internal dissent, and rising global isolation. Gaza has become Israel’s Vietnam.
