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What are the potential implications of different approaches to the Israel-Hamas conflict for regional stability and peace?

Geopolitics
Global
Started February 18, 2026

Israeli forces still occupy half of Gaza. In the cease-fire deal, Israel agreed to fully withdraw its presence there once Hamas fully demilitarized. But Amit Segal thinks that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. Instead, he believes Gaza will end up divided. So what does that really mean? What are the implications? Segal is the chief political analyst for Channel 12 News in Israel and is known to be quite close to the Netanyahu government. He writes the newsletter It’s Noon in Israel and is the author of the book “A Call at 4 a.m.: Thirteen Prime Ministers and the Crucial Decisions That Shaped Israeli Politics,” which was recently published in English. In this conversation, he talks about why most Israelis don’t see the cease-fire as the end of the war between Israel and Hamas and how this conflict is mapping onto Israeli politics — both at present and as the country looks toward its next elections. This episode contains strong language. Book Recommendations: The Accidental President by A. J. Baime An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin Messiah in Sde Boker by Hagai Segal Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com. You can find the transcript and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.html This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was

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CLAIM Posted by will Feb 18, 2026
International mediation might provide a pathway for compromise, but it risks being perceived as external interference, which could backfire and ignite further instability if not handled delicately.
0 total votes
CLAIM Posted by will Feb 18, 2026
Dividing Gaza could create further fragmentation among Palestinians, undermining their unity and making it harder to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement, potentially leading to increased conflict.
0 total votes
CLAIM Posted by will Feb 18, 2026
Exploring multiple frameworks for peace, including economic cooperation and shared governance, might provide a less confrontational approach to the conflict, fostering regional collaboration and stability.
0 total votes
CLAIM Posted by will Feb 18, 2026
Negotiations that include both Israeli and Palestinian voices are crucial for any lasting peace. Without addressing the underlying issues, such as land rights and sovereignty, regional stability remains elusive.
0 total votes
CLAIM Posted by will Feb 18, 2026
The proposal to carve up Gaza could lead to a pragmatic solution that ensures both security for Israel and some governance for Palestinians, potentially paving the way for a future two-state solution.
0 total votes
CLAIM Posted by will Feb 18, 2026
A robust military approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict may deter further attacks and establish a stronger security framework for Israel, ultimately leading to a more stable region as adversaries rethink their strategies.
0 total votes
CLAIM Posted by will Feb 18, 2026
Aggressive military actions could exacerbate tensions and lead to increased violence, undermining prospects for peace and destabilizing the region further, as it may foster resentment and cycles of retaliation.
0 total votes

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