Israel’s approval to extend the ceasefire should not prevent it from eliminating Hamas

Monday’s agreement between Israel and Hamas to extend the ceasefire for two more days raises hopes that more hostages will soon be freed, at a price: Every day that passes with Hamas still alive makes the task of eradicating it more difficult.

But Hamas has to be erased.

No one can blame Jerusalem for deciding to make the return of its hostages a top priority.

However, Israel faces a ticking clock: global pressure to “permanently” end the war continues to grow.

And if the past is any guide, Israel will be forced to prematurely suspend its campaign against Hamas (recall its conflicts with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, which now has up to 150,000 rockets).

Team Biden has even warned Israel not to shift attacks to the southern Gaza region unless civilians there are first guaranteed access to humanitarian aid and security.

That may make it difficult, if not impossible, for Israel to finish the job.

However, much remains to be done: Hamas promised weeks ago to continue its attacks “again and again” until Israel is destroyed; one of its leaders, Khaled Mashal boasted Friday that the terrorist group’s tunnels and weapons remain intact and that it can and willpower use them to launch new attacks against Israel.

In other words, either Hamas is destroyed or Israel is destroyed: Hamas has made it clear that it is life or death both sides.

That means Israel has to fight with all their might, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised.

Biden’s team could help by not repeatedly harping on what Bibi can not do, but urging him to do what he must.