Two Decades After Gaza Withdrawal: How Israel’s Unilateral Disengagement Empowered Hamas and Weakened National Security

Twenty years ago, Israel made the bold move of unilaterally withdrawing from the Gaza Strip, dismantling Jewish settlements and retreating its forces in a bid to jump-start peace negotiations. Today, this landmark decision stands as a sobering example of how well-intentioned concessions—absent enforceable agreements—can backfire dramatically on national security. Israel’s disengagement under then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was meant to reduce friction with Palestinians and pave the way for peace. Yet instead of fostering stability, it created a power vacuum swiftly exploited by Hamas. The terror organization transformed Gaza into a launchpad for relentless attacks against Israeli civilians, culminating in the...