Deadlocks · defusion · extreme

Total military victory

One side defeats the other so completely that it gives up its aims: 'total victory' on the Israeli side, 'liberation from the river to the sea' on the other.

Israel's prime minister made 'total victory' over Hamas a stated war aim in 2024; Hamas and its allies speak of liberation by force. Both rest on the belief that the other side only understands force and will accept defeat.

The deadlocks it addresses

Where it has been tried

  • 1948, 1967 and 1973 — partly. Israel won each war militarily; none ended the conflict, and each set up the next.
  • October 7 as 'the beginning of liberation' — failed. It brought the destruction of Gaza, not liberation.

What you have to believe for it to work

  • The defeated side will accept defeat rather than regroup
  • The victor can bear the costs, including international isolation

These are the assumptions the future solution builder will let you set yourself.

How it can fail

  • Each 'victory' has so far produced the next war
  • The civilian cost of trying