Islamic Jihad and Hamas: Allies or Adversaries in Gaza Conflict?

Hamas sat out the recent conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, allowing the smaller group to bear the brunt of Israeli strikes. While the Netanyahu government portrayed Hamas's inaction as evidence of helplessness, Hamas seemed comfortable with the situation, suffering little while its main rival lost commanders and materiel. Hamas's interest in maintaining quiet in the Gaza Strip and building legitimacy within Palestinian society and the region, as well as its diverse set of relationships with foreign powers, make it less susceptible to Iranian pressure than Islamic Jihad. Hamas's economic privileges were not rescinded after the recent conflict, indicating little evidence that Hamas is more fearful of Israel's response if it steps out of line in the future.