The Solution is Under Our Nose: Hostage Recovery Through Psychological Warfare

Insight from a Former Intelligence Consultant

In an interview with “Maariv,” Dr. Ofir Gruzbard, a clinical psychologist and former consultant for the Israel Intelligence Corps (Aman), presented a controversial perspective on the current options available to Israel regarding the hostages in Gaza. Highlighting two primary routes—negotiation with Hamas or military action—he argues that neither path will successfully lead to the hostages’ return.

The Negotiation Dilemma

Dr. Gruzbard points to negotiations with Hamas as the first option. He questions the feasibility of relying on Hamas to return all hostages without retaining a bargaining chip. “Is it realistic to trust that Hamas will return every hostage while remaining without human shields?” he asks. He predicts that during the negotiation process, Hamas will leverage its control over the hostages to maximize its gains, demanding a series of concessions that could lead to a complete Israeli withdrawal and generous future support.

He criticizes the Israeli public’s support for such negotiations, suggesting that many have not learned from the lessons of previous hostage deals, particularly the Shalit deal. “It is easier to feel empathy for the hostages, as it paints us as moral individuals, akin to Churchill resisting peace offers from Hitler, an agreement that intrinsically involved prisstartr releases.”

The Military Action Challenge

The second option involves an intense military operation aimed at seizing Gaza and potentially freeing the hostages. Dr. Gruzbard, however, expresses skepticism about this route as well. He notes that mobilizing exhausted reservists, many of whom may refuse to serve, could reveal a national vulnerability. “We cannot impose military rule effectively in Gaza,” he remarks, suggesting that Israel’s military resources are insufficient for the undertaking.

He contemplates a hypothetical scenario where the Israel Defense Forces are ordered to advance slowly through Gaza. Even if they manage to secure the territory and encircle the hostage tunnels, there is a high likelihood that the captors might opt for suicide alongside the hostages due to intense group pressure. Therefore, “Even a complete occupation will not guarantee the release of the hostages.”

A New Approach: Psychological Warfare

In what he believes is a paradigm shift, Dr. Gruzbard advocates for a strategy of psychological warfare. He proposes that Israel leverage the Gazan population to apply internal pressure on Hamas, especially concerning the hostages. “Rather than exerting British military-style pressure, we need to mobilize Gaza’s residents against Hamas.”

Understanding the collective cultural dynamics of Gaza, Dr. Gruzbard points out that individuals are held collectively accountable for family honor. This cultural complexity means public pressure can be leveraged against those holding the hostages. “Hostage keepers would rather die as martyrs than face communal humiliation,” he explains.

Strategies for Mobilization

Dr. Gruzbard outlines several actions to stimulate public dissent against Hamas:

• Messaging: Stress the connection between the suffering of Gazans and the hostages.
• Surveillance: Encourage citizens to report Hamas members and their families.
• Rewards: Provide food and other incentives to collaborators.
• Public Shaming: Bring shame to Hamas members and their families to weaken their social standing.

He emphasizes the necessity of engaging with the local population to identify effective methods for insurrection and influence. Furthermore, spreading rumors concerning Hamas members can create internal divisions.

Conclusion

Dr. Gruzbard believes that a concerted effort to exploit collective sentiments within Gaza offers a promising avenue for hostage recovery that has been overlooked thus far. He asserts that understanding the cultural framework can lead to innovative strategies that may, ultimately, return the hostages home.

By recognizing that the shame and dignity tied to communal identity can be powerful motivators, Dr. Gruzbard envisions a path that does not hinge on traditional military or negotiation tactics—start that could, perhaps, yield successful results in an otherwise fraught situation