Gideon Levy / Gaza war ended in utter failure for Israel

A very interesting article by Gideon Levy for the Haaretz. Below a summary of the key points Levy develops:

- The initial objective of the war was to put an end to the firing of Qassam rockets. Defense officials estimate that Hamas still has 1,000 rockets.

- The war's second objective, the prevention of smuggling, was not met either. Smuggling will be renewed within two months.

- Israel's ability to achieve its third objective is also dubious. Deterrence, my foot. The sporadic firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip has continued over the past few days.

- The fourth objective, which remained undeclared, was not met either. The IDF has not restored its capability. It couldn't have against a miserable and poorly-equipped organization relying on makeshift weapons, whose combatants barely put up a fight.

So what was achieved, after all? As a war waged to satisfy considerations of internal politics, the operation has succeeded beyond all expectations. Likud Chair Benjamin Netanyahu is getting stronger in the polls.