As Israel continues to agree to more unilateral “humanitarian” ceasefires, another soldier has been killed in Gaza.
Israel continues to lose the momentum each time a ceasefire is agreed to, while Hamas and Islamic Jihad receive a much-needed respite to reorganize, to prepare new booby-traps for Israeli soldiers in the alleyways of Gaza and to kill more Israeli soldiers, while we hope that maybe a few folks overseas will praise our “restraint”.
Yes, there have been many successes so far and the IDF is certainly fighting a noble and difficult battle, but the surreal “operation” that we are afraid to call a war continues to stop and start, stop and start, all in order to please Barack Obama and John Kerry and to show the world that we are really nice, that we really want peace, that we really want to preserve “dignity” for all of the inhabitants of Gaza.
Aren’t these the same inhabitants of Gaza who overwhelmingly voted Hamas into power?
Aren’t these the same inhabitants of Gaza who encourage their children and themselves to be used as human shields to prevent attacks by the IDF?
And what about the “moderate wing” of the Palestinian Authority – The Fatah of Mahmoud Abbas – representing the “good Palestinians” – that has just announced through its Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades – that it is joining the current armed struggle against Israel?
As unpleasant as it may be, we need to recognize that we are in a war with a bitter enemy that seeks our destruction and will use all means at its disposal – both military and diplomatic – to achieve its goals.
It is supported by its people and their organizations – Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad.
There is no concept of “peaceful inhabitants” in a war for Israel’s survival – especially when they have been given repeated warnings to leave the schools, mosques, and playgrounds that Hamas and Islamic Jihad use as military bases in Gaza.
Let’s start fighting a no-holds-barred war with no ceasefires and no negotiations. And when it’s over and we are in full and absolute control of Gaza, then and only then, should we DICTATE THE TERMS of the peace according to the security needs and national self-interest of Israel.
Reprinted with author’s permission