The IDF, in an attempt to reconcile the imperatives of national security with the sanctity of human life, sought to strike a more humane balance.

I hate to be flippant about the ongoing tragedy, but how's that workin' out for the IDF? How many soldiers are being held in Gaza?

The original protocol follows standard game theory. "Proportionate" tit for tat is not the right strategy; TIT for tat - massive retaliation - is the way to deter aggression. That's what's happening now. Whether or not Israel destroy Hamas, the risk/reward calculation for future massacres is known.

The hostage-taking on 10/7 has failed. It has not deterred Israel from exacting a higher price than Hamas thought it would have to pay. Indeed, much of the mileage Hamas gets from provoking Israel to kill Gazan civilians, it loses by holding civilian hostages.

I don't understand why the Hannibal Protocol was a secret. Shouldn't wannabe abductors be aware the Holy Hell will rain down on them if they take hostages? A cynic might conclude that someone in Israel was hoping to implement the protocol and so didn't want the country's enemies to be forewarned. I'd be open to a more benign explanation...