Former NSC chief Meir Ben Shabbat slams global leaders for rewarding Hamas with diplomatic gains, warning that yielding to pressure will embolden terror far beyond Gaza.
Jerusalem — Former Israeli National Security Council head and current president of the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy, Meir Ben Shabbat, is warning that recent international moves — including recognition of a Palestinian state and the adoption of Hamas’ narrative by parts of the global community — are not proof of an Israeli “diplomatic collapse” but rather a calculated manipulation by Hamas that world leaders are dangerously enabling.
“Of course we would have preferred a different approach, especially from friendly nations who know Israel’s moral code and its adherence to humanitarian law,” Ben Shabbat told Israel National News. “But Hamas’ entire strategy is to weaponize civilian suffering — using its own people as human shields, engineering humanitarian crises, and exploiting them for sympathy. Some countries fall right into the trap.”
The Psychology of the World Stage
Ben Shabbat lamented that Israel garners sympathy only when its mutilated civilians are on global TV screens — and even then, it’s fleeting. “The horrors of October 7 were quickly forgotten. Leaders criticizing Israel over civilian casualties are reinforcing a deadly playbook: cause suffering, generate outrage, halt Israel’s defense — and win.”
The Dutch ‘Problematic State’ Label
Responding to the Dutch intelligence report branding Israel a “problematic state,” Ben Shabbat warned that while the label is largely declarative now, it risks triggering real sanctions and inspiring copycat measures by other nations. “We must not take it lightly. This demands full diplomatic engagement — including leveraging strong allies in the Trump administration who have consistently backed Israel.”
Persona Non Grata Ministers: A Blow to Israel’s Standing
Several countries have recently declared Israeli ministers persona non grata. Ben Shabbat stressed this tarnishes the state itself. “Such sanctions are reserved for rogue regimes. These cases must be handled by the government as a whole — not just the targeted ministers — and other states must understand there will be consequences.”
Macron’s Recognition Push: A Gift to Hamas
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent statement supporting recognition of a Palestinian state was, Ben Shabbat said, no surprise. “He’s been hinting at it for months. But it won’t help Mahmoud Abbas or the Palestinian Authority. All the credit will go to Hamas — boosting their popularity and accelerating their bid to take over the PA in Judea and Samaria.”
Why the Palestinian Authority Is No State
Even without Hamas, Ben Shabbat argued, the PA is structurally incapable of functioning as an independent state — plagued by illegitimacy, corruption, and reliance on the IDF for survival. “Talk of ‘reform’ before statehood is laughable to anyone who knows the reality.”
Recognition’s Real Impact: Momentum and Morale
Unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood changes little on the ground, he noted, but generates dangerous psychological momentum. “From a security standpoint, Israel must retain full control of its borders, security barriers, and counterterror operations. There is no room for experiments after October 7.”
The Gaza Equation: No Surrender
“The war must not end because of international pressure,” Ben Shabbat insisted. “Stopping now would undermine our claim that dismantling Hamas is essential, expose us to blackmail, and allow Hamas to rearm.”
Instead, he urges:
- Promote voluntary emigration from Gaza — a solution surveys show many Gazans support and Hamas fears most.
- Cut Gaza’s internet and communications to disrupt Hamas’ command and propaganda.
- Restrict aid to controlled humanitarian zones where civilians have evacuated, keeping supplies away from Hamas-controlled areas.
- Target Hamas leaders abroad who enjoy “luxury exile” while directing terror operations.
Winning the Narrative at Home and Abroad
Ben Shabbat admits Israel could have done more in global public diplomacy but stresses the priority now is rallying the Israeli public. “We must explain our strategy, justify our mission, and inspire confidence. A united people become the best ambassadors.”
And in these days of Tisha B’Av, he says, Israel should rebroadcast October 7 footage — to remind itself, if not the world, exactly why Hamas must be dismantled. “If we remain steadfast, the world will ultimately have to accept it.”
