Israel Eliminates Sinwar: What’s Next?

Israel has once again demonstrated its determination to eliminate terrorist leaders. The latest target of Israeli action is Yahya Sinwar, one of the most notorious figures within the Middle East terrorist network. Sinwar was responsible for orchestrating the brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

While justice for these leaders may not always come quickly, it is often inevitable. Since the U.S. operation that took down Osama bin Laden in 2011, a number of key terrorist figures have been eliminated, including:

  • Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, ISIS spokesman, killed by a U.S. airstrike in Syria in 2016.
  • Hamza bin Laden, Osama’s son, killed in a U.S. strike in Syria in 2019.
  • Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS leader, eliminated by U.S. forces in 2019.
  • Qasem Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, killed by a U.S. drone in Iraq in 2020.
  • Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, Baghdadi’s successor, killed in 2022 by U.S. forces in Syria.
  • Ayman al-Zawahiri, al-Qaeda leader, taken out by a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan in 2022.
  • Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas leader, killed in a bombing in Tehran in 2024.
  • Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah leader, killed by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut in 2024.
  • Salen al-Arouri, Hamas deputy, died in the same strike that killed Nasrallah.

Before bin Laden’s death, Israel had already neutralized several high-profile figures, including PLO leader Abu Jihad (1988), PLO Secretary-General Abu Ali Mustafa (2001), Hamas co-founder Ahmed Yassin (2004), and Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh (2008).

Sinwar’s elimination is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Israel has decisively weakened Iran’s terrorist network. Hamas’ military capabilities have been largely destroyed, and the group’s control over Gaza is nearing its end.

Simultaneously, Israel has dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah, driving the group out of southern Lebanon, killing its leader, and eliminating much of its missile capabilities. In addition, Israel’s strikes within Iran have demonstrated its ability to hit deep within enemy territory.

Sinwar had been viewed as the major obstacle to any potential ceasefire in Gaza. His death raises questions about whether Hamas’ next leader will continue his hardline stance or take a more pragmatic approach. Will they press on, or will they seek an agreement for a ceasefire and hostage release?

The remaining Hamas leadership, based in Qatar—Khaled Meshaal and Mousa Abu Marzouk—now hold the reins in any potential negotiations. It is imperative that Qatar leverages its influence to push for a resolution, as Hamas’ future looks increasingly bleak.

There remains a strategic difference between Israel and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to continue until both Hamas and Hezbollah are utterly defeated and accept Israel’s right to exist. Washington, however, still advocates for an immediate ceasefire.

Reports from Washington recently suggested the Biden administration considered leveraging military aid to pressure Israel into a ceasefire. However, Sinwar’s death has rendered such tactics irrelevant, as weakening an ally in the middle of a decisive military victory would be illogical.

Two developments offer hope for a less violent future. First, the muted reaction from Palestinians following Sinwar’s death suggests that they may be growing weary of Hamas. Second, many Arab nations, traditionally critical of Israel, have remained relatively silent during this conflict.

The Middle East is at a critical juncture. The current divide between appeasement and victory strategies within Washington reflects a broader global debate. Fortunately for Israel, Netanyahu’s firm stance against terrorism seems to be gaining the upper hand.

This moment may well mark a turning point, as Israel’s determination to achieve victory continues to shape the future of the region.