Let's take a step back and compare the war goals of both sides:
Hamas’ goal in the October 7 attack was to free a specific number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives. Israel already holds over 10,000 Palestinian prisoners without justification. Hamas also had political and strategic goals that support the Palestinian cause. This was not an easy move—it forced a confrontation with a U.S.-backed global power.
On the other hand, Israel's goal in invading Gaza was to free its captives by force and completely eliminate Hamas. Netanyahu’s government also had a political goal—to show strength, control, and expand territory. These goals seemed easy. By routine calculations, Israel was expected to go in, destroy everything, retrieve its captives, and wipe out Hamas.
But what were the preparations for this war?
On January 13, 2025, Israel’s Ministry of Finance announced the final war cost at $34 billion. Still, the Israeli newspaper Calcalist estimated the total price at $68 billion, including $18 billion in direct U.S. military aid.
Israel was backed by the U.S. aircraft carrier "USS Gerald Ford", which carried 75 advanced fighter jets and helicopters, 7 escort destroyers, a nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarine, and 4,500 U.S. Marines.
A total of 423,000 Israeli soldiers participated in the war, including 123,000 regular troops and 300,000 reservists. Israel used 50% of its armored forces to invade Gaza, deploying 2,200 tanks, 7,500 armored personnel carriers, and over 100 bulldozers, firing 57,000 artillery shells (155mm).
Israel also unleashed the largest and most advanced air force in the region, with 595 aircraft, including:
241 fighter and interceptor jets
23 attack aircraft
15 transport and medical evacuation planes
154 training aircraft
23 special mission planes
128 helicopters
11 refueling aircraft
Countless drones and surveillance aircraft
Israel dropped 85,000 tons of explosives, including:
14,000 MK-84 bombs (2,000 lbs each)
6,500 bombs (500 lbs each)
3,000 Hellfire missiles
1,000 bunker-busting bombs
2,600 small-diameter bombs
This firepower was 5.7 times stronger than the Hiroshima bomb, not counting nuclear radiation effects.
Now, who achieved their goals and who didn’t?
Did Israel free its captives by force? No
Did Israel eliminate Hamas? No
Did Israel expand and stay? No, it will withdraw
Meanwhile, on the other side:
Did Hamas manage to release Palestinian prisoners? Yes, and thanks to God
Did Hamas destroy Israel’s long-standing "victim narrative"? Yes, completely