Why Hamas Targeted Jerusalem

An unprecedented event took place this week, when long-range rockets from Gaza struck Tel Aviv, one of Israel's main urban centers. The decision was prompted by the assassination of Ahmed Jabari, the leader of Hamas' militant wing, the Izz al-Deen al-Qassam Brigades. But more important, when Hamas decided to target the Israeli capital of Jerusalem with rocket fire, it risked damaging a city that is very important to the Palestinians. Hamas' cost-benefit analysis is thus: The gains from demonstrating military reach into the heart of Israel are far greater than any losses that could arise from an accidental targeting of Muslims or Islam's third holiest mosque.