A mighty atom

Israel has built a reputation as one of the most effective nations in combating terrorism, confronting threats from its earliest days. From border skirmishes to large-scale conflicts, Israel’s survival has depended on relentless defense against hostile groups. Its success lies in treating terrorism as a global issue, sparing no effort to dismantle groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, regardless of where they operate. India, meanwhile, faces significant terrorist threats of its own, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where radical groups backed by Pakistan pose ongoing challenges. However, India’s reluctance to officially designate Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations undermines the global fight against terror. Both groups embrace radical Islamist ideologies and have a long history of targeting civilians, tactics India itself combats at home. Recognizing the threat from these groups would align India with broader international efforts to curb extremist movements. Hamas and Hezbollah’s hybrid status—operating as political entities, social movements, and armed factions—has delayed global consensus on their classification. However, their attacks on civilians and the infiltration of United Nations agencies in Lebanon and Gaza expose their role in global terrorism. Reports indicate that these militants exploit UN resources, using ID cards and trucks to conceal and launch attacks against Israel, further complicating the conflict. In its current campaign against terrorism, Israel has made clear it will not be constrained by calls for restraint when terrorists use civilians and hospitals as shields. While international pleas for humanitarian pauses are frequent, Israel insists that sustainable peace can only be achieved through the total elimination of terror groups. Israel’s military operations have successfully eliminated key figures in both Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel has escalated its operations against Hamas, Hezbollah, and their Iranian backers, eliminating several high-ranking leaders in a series of targeted strikes. The list of those killed reads like a “who’s who” of terror leadership, underscoring the depth of Israel’s military campaign to dismantle these organizations. On October 16, Israel confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ military chief, during operations in Gaza. Sinwar was a central figure in Hamas’ military activities and played a key role in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. In Lebanon, Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader for decades, was killed in an Israeli strike in September 2024. In the same operation, Israel also eliminated Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, a top commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Despite these achievements, Israel shows no sign of easing its campaign. Officials emphasize that peace will only come when every trace of Hamas and Hezbollah is eliminated. A ceasefire, they insist, will only be possible once the region is free from terrorist influence. Israel’s policy may be seen as provocative that could potentially ignite World War III. However Israel has no option as all past cease fires and peace agreements signed by it were rendered worthless. Israel’s approach offers a model of decisive action against terror. Terrorism has to be eliminated, in order the freedom and democracy sustains. India, by formally recognizing Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist entities, could bolster its own fight against radicalism and strengthen the global front against extremism. The lesson is clear: success in combating terrorism requires both national resolve and international cooperation.