Israel's Suicide Mission?
As Israel's punishing bombardment of the prison that is Gaza - the Palestinian territory of 1.4 million which it has had walled off and strangled for nearly three years -- grows more gruesome, as Israel's U.S.-supplied warplanes unleash weapons such as skin-melting white phosphorus bombs, as the death toll mounts (900 Palestinians dead, half of them civilian, 14 Israelis dead, including four civilians), as rights groups bellow about the humanitarian crisis, as the UN demands a ceasefire (thus far ignored by both Israel and Hamas), as ire and disbelief mounts not just among Arabs but across the world that trapped Gazans are being pounded without any means of escape, I've got to wonder yet again what Israel, which claims that it merely wants to stop rockets from being fired into its territory, is really hoping to achieve from this offensive (planned over six months ago) that can scarcely be called a war, since it's so pitifully unmatched.
As witnessed on TV, on the one side are the well-trained Israeli defense forces, armed with fancy weapons, tanks, cutting edge missiles, bombs and drones along with F-15s and F-16s -- gifts from U.S. tax payers to the tune of over $2 billion each year for the past three decades (Israel being the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid in the world) - not to mention Israeli-made Arrow missiles, night vision goggles and every high-tech military gadget known to man; on the other hand Hamas, a militia, armed with rockets, many homemade, some supposedly from Iran, that at most hurdle 30 miles into the border, typically landing in the desert but occasionally killing a few Israelis a year (a total of ten Israelis perished from the rockets between 2001 through 2007) not to mention some machine guns, mortars and anti-aircraft missiles, which don't seem to be in wide use given the few slain Israeli soldiers fighting in Gaza.
Is the Israeli government's goal in this maneuver the impossible one of eradicating Hamas -- voted in with a majority to the Palestinian Authority in 2006 as a flipoff to Fatah (the corrupt PLO wing once headed by Yasir Arafat which under pressure from the US and Israel shoved out Hamas from the government, and rules over the other Palestinian territory, the West Bank) - when Israel's ongoing devastation of Gaza only bolsters support for radical anti-Israel groups such as Hamas? Does Israel truly believe that Gazans (even those who didn't support Hamas before) will now turn against Hamas, when so many civilians are dying and Hamas now appears their only way to fight back? Is Israel secretly hoping Iran will swoop into the fight so Israel will have reason to strike Iran's nuclear plants, which it believes will soon churn out nuclear weapons, while the Bush administration - which despite recent misleading news reports has previously egged Israel to take on Iran - is still in power? Is Israel trying to so decimate Gaza that once the fighting is over anyone who is able will flee and Israel can take the land? Or is this simply politics - a reflection of foreign minister Tzipi Livni's recent inability to forge a ruling coalition that would keep the current leading party, Kadima, along with Labor (headed by defense minister Ehud Barak) in power and a hope that by trying to crush Hamas, this administration (which after Hezbollah kidnapped Israeli soldiers in 2006 unsuccessfully tried to root out Hezbollah in Lebanon killing over 1000 civilians and causing $7 billion worth of damage in the month-long attack) to regain face with Israeli voters in time for the February elections?
Whatever the goals, Israel's current mission is sure to have a backlash that will rattle it for years, and one that will threaten Israel's existence far more severely than rockets shot over from Gaza.
Granted, Israel has every reason to be upset and anxious about Hamas. The militia/social service provider/political party Hamas -previously posed a grave threat to the well-being of Israel. The group started in 1987 in Gaza as a religious study group (and initially supported by Israel because it loathed Arafat and the PLO) was the first to unleash suicide bombers - initially in the intifada (Palestinian uprising) that began in 1987, and again in the second intifada that started in 2000: most of the self-exploders who were killing and maiming civilians inside Israel a few years ago were selected and trained by Hamas, whose original charter goals called for the destruction of Israel, which it wants to replace with an Islamic state.
However, suicide bombers rarely infiltrate Israel these days - hundreds of Israeli-manned checkpoints, prohibition of entry to most Palestinians into Israel, Israeli-only highways that crisscross and encircle Palestinian land, settlements (in the West Bank), fences and the infamous wall that now boxes in all of Gaza and most of the West Bank have all worked to make suicide bombing an erased threat, as have Israeli incursions into Palestinian territories and targeted killings. In fact, according to Israel's human rights organization, B'Tselem, as of November 2008, Israeli security forces had killed some 4,800 Palestinians (over 2200 of them civilians including over 900 children) while Palestinians had killed some 1000 Israelis (over 700 civilians, including over 120 children) since the intifada began when Ariel Sharon took a stroll with a thousand armed guards on Jerusalem's Temple Mount/al-Haram al-Sharif - holy to both Jews and Muslims -- in the area near the al-Aqsa mosque where Jews are forbidden (by rabbis) to tread, and where the appearance of the man who first legitimized Israeli settlements on Palestinian land was meant to be confrontational.
Suicide bombers have now been replaced by rockets shot blindly into Israel, but until recently most weren't even lobbed by Hamas, instead being shot by their rivals, Islamic Jihad, who vie for control in Gaza, and who didn't abide by the six-month ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that recently came to an end, and which didn't bring an end to the blockade as Israel had promised -- which is why Hamas didn't want to renew it.
While Israel understandably wants to eradicate terrorist threats and indeed has a right to protect its citizens and land, the Jewish homeland itself is viewed by Palestinians (particularly Gazans) as a terrorist force due to frequent incursions into Gaza which knock out power plants, crumble bridges, and blast buildings in the name of assassinating Hamas leaders while also killing civilians. Israel is quick to point out how Israeli children suffer from rockets shot over by Gazans, but Israel's constant buzzing drones hover and low-flying planes streaking overhead with sonic booms in their wake - part of ongoing psyop missions -- traumatize Palestinian children, hundreds of whom have been killed in this attack and hundreds more who have perished in other missions since 2000.
Beyond military operations, for the past few years - particularly after Hamas, shoved out of power by Fatah, stormed into Gaza in 2007 and took it by force -- Israel often cuts off fuel, leaving Gazans without heat or light, and has imposed suffocating blockades that prevent trade or movement, and causing massive unemployment, poverty and shortages of food and medicine - deprivations that create the need for more tunnels to Egypt, through which supplies along with arms are smuggled. The dramatic "breakout" of Gazans from their prison in December 2007 to go shopping briefly in Egypt before being penned in again, was but one hint of the intolerable conditions under which Gazans are living.
Whatever its reasons and justifications and despite its desire to bolster its security, Israel's war on densely-populated Gaza (where it maintains it is trying to target only Hamas) is starting to blow up in its face as dramatically as the bombs over Gaza. Public opinion in the United States is divided - the Bush administration is the only in the world which applauds the move into Gaza -- but the rest of the planet is demanding cessation to this lopsided "war." Despite Israel's muzzling and refusal to allow Western media into Gaza, Israel no longer looks like the underdog or the victim, but instead appears like an overarmed killer on a rampage - and this image reflects on the U.S., which enables Israel with its yearly arm gifts and political support. While demonstrations worldwide demand a halt to the Israeli assault and governments that the U.S. considers moderate (such as Egypt and Jordan) are struggling to keep their hold over citizens furious that their leaders aren't intervening (or in the case of Egypt allowing the wall to come down so Gazans can flee), sheer hatred is building towards Israel among many in the Middle East, and this ire will certainly result in more extreme militant actions and the rise of more terrorist groups dedicated to eradicate Israel.
There are no blacks and whites in this situation, and indeed Israel has a right to protect itself, but then again so does Gaza. Hamas falls far short of being angelic or good-hearted, it does pose a limited threat to Israel and even their right to rule Gaza is up for debate. Yet, given the brutality of Israel's actions and the acidic ire it's creating, I can't help but conclude that the biggest threat to Israel's existence is Israel's military actions: while Israel will no doubt emerge victorious in this so-called "war against Hamas," I fear that history will ultimately regard Operation Cast Lead as a suicide mission.
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BeeOplentee wrote:
"It's way too easy for "the world" to castigate Israel for finally eradicating an entire hornet's nest (rather than forlornly attempting to only kill the specific hornets actually doing the stinging) when they aren't being stung themselves
You may delusion yourself by thinking you are eradicating the so called hornet's nest, but instead you are spreading it, and before you know it, you'll be stung in every corner of the world.
And it will not be just by the so-called terrorists. The world is getting fed up with your ways.
There are no blacks and whites in this situation, and indeed Israel has a right to protect itself, but then again so does Gaza.
Amen to that!
45% of the Gazen's voted against Humas.
Fighting for peace is like f***ing for virginity, it just doesn't work. Despite the UN's condemnation of Israel's offensive, bombing, & invasion of Gaza, the US supports the Israeli terrorists, 900 Palestinians dead, compared with 13 dead Israelis, incendiary bombs, Read more at www.WhatTe
I'll preface by saying war is not justified - both the war Hamas claims against Israel and war Israel has now engaged in. However, I read nothing but complaints from both authors and comments on these sites. Instead I would appreciate ideas for solutions. Because solutions require negotiations and a willingness to negotiate, this is difficult. I suspect Israel is doing this for two primary reasons: to force negotiators to the table (from a stronger negotiating position) and secondly (as a backup) to set Hamas back in its effort to build arms (its quest for a better bargaining position).
I agree these efforts will build a foundation of hate - and future warriors in Gaza, but what can you offer us readers as a possible solution? beginning by getting all sides to the bargaining table? Here's the caveat: do so with Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran acknowledging Israel's right to exist. Eqypt and Jordan did it, and I suspect doing so would facilitate more funding to the Palestinians from the West, eventually allowing them to grow economically. My God, this is essential for peace.
I'm being serious here - what exactly does "acknowledging Israel's right to exist" mean? Are you looking for a statement or something more concrete. What would Israel give in order to get this acknowledgment? Say you recognize me and I'll stop dropping 10 ton bombs on your head?
Here's something from Slate http://www
Hamas' number one mission (on paper) is the destruction of israel and all the jews there. number one mission... recognizing someone's right to exist means they have to agree israel is a country, and therefore has a right to be there. now they call them occupiers. once they agree on right to exist, they can build treaties and participate.
"The group started in 1987 in Gaza as a religious study group (and initially supported by Israel because it loathed Arafat and the PLO) was the first to unleash suicide bombers - initially in the intifada (Palestinian uprising) that began in 1987, and again in the second intifada that started in 2000..."
(Hmmm... where have we Americans heard *that* tune before?!)
Some very well stated points the author makes in this piece. And this sums it up very well:
"I can't help but conclude that the biggest threat to Israel's existence is Israel's military actions...
It is truly a sad day for the Israeli and Palestinian people, their safety and well-being high-jacked by the two co-conspirators of mutual hatred and destruction: Hamas and the leaders of Israel.
Fantastic article and as always, linking to corroborating sources really helps solidify the truth here.
Fantastic article. Let's hope if finds wide readership.
With the utmost respect, there are many inaccuracies in this piece.
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the Palestinian territory of 1.4 million which it has had walled off and strangled for nearly three years
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Israel (and Egypt, I might add) have legitimately blockaded Gaza due to the security threat that it represents to the civilian population. This is perfectly reasonable and is fully authorized under the Geneva Conventions and the International Criminal Courts..
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as Israel's U.S.-suppl
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White phosphorus (or WillyPete, to give it's commonly known name) is being used as an illumination device and as a tactical smokescreen. Both are, once again, fully legitimate uses.
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(a total of ten Israelis perished from the rockets between 2001 through 2007)
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From 2000 to present, Israel has been subjected to the population proportioned equivalent of 3 9/11s PER YEAR, due to terrorism.
German deaths in WWII outpaced American deaths 11-1.... Japanese deaths, 8-1...
Using your method of reasoning, Japan and Germany were morally, legally and ethically in the right because they suffered MILLIONS of more casualties than the US did...
CONT
See Melissa Rossi's Profile
Re:
It's not legal when used as weaponry -- and that appears to be happening. See:
http://www
AND
http://www
AND
http://www
Re:
Gaza is a thorn -- as home not only to Hamas but Islamic Jihad and other militants (as noted in the link provided in the piece) who shoot rockets into Israel. As noted, Hamas (and to a lesser extent Islamic Jihad) have sent suicide bombers into Israel previously. Indeed, Gaza is a security concern. However, walling off all Gazans (including those that don't support Hamas or IJ) cutting off fuel and trade, and bombing those trapped within isn't humane or beneficial to Israel since it creates an explosive tinderbox. It's not a sustainable solution.
Re:
Israel has 7 million compared to 4 million Palestinians: the fatality rate is far higher in Palestine. In any case, too high on BOTH sides.
Key word being "APPEARS" to be happening.
If it's proven that WP is being used as a weapon, then I will join you in condemning it.. But I am not going to make the assumption on a couple articles in the LA Times and a blog entry...
As to the rest, what would you have Israel do that it hasn't tried???
Michale...
CONT
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voted in with a majority to the Palestinian Authority in 2006 as a flipoff to Fatah
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HAMAS was voted into the majority as REPRESENTATIVES, not as leaders.. HAMAS took leadership control from the rightful government in a bloody coup. Over 1500 Palestinians were killed in that coup..
Why is it we only hear about dead Palestinians when Israels is involved???
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Whatever the goals, Israel's current mission is sure to have a backlash that will rattle it for years, and one that will threaten Israel's existence far more severely than rockets shot over from Gaza.
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Many said that about the 2006 engagement with Hezbollah. Israel is still here and Hezbollah has been awful quiet since '06.. I suggest that this is more wishful thinking than anything else...
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However, suicide bombers rarely infiltrate Israel these days -
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And there is a reason for that... The legal and legitimate blockade..
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There are no blacks and whites in this situation,
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I disagree.. There is one overriding black/white issue here.. And it is THE issue that surpasses all others.
NOTHING justifies terrorism.
This one fact is what allows Israel to take and hold the legal, moral and ethical high ground.
Michale...
"You can't look at casualty figures and from that information glean who is right and who is wrong.."
Correct -- but you can see that both sides *are* wrong in their own ways.
"HAMAS took leadership control from the rightful government in a bloody coup. Over 1500 Palestinians were killed in that coup.."
If this is true, it is a strong reason for how it contributes to the fact that both sides *are* wrong.
"NOTHING justifies terrorism.
Terrorism by one does not justify the terrorism by the other.
You may parse words and say that Israel is defending itself.
But if you are the one on the receiving end, you'd be terrorized, either way -- Israeli or Palestinian.
BOTH SIDES ARE WRONG! What is going on is NOT the answer -- it will only do as the author points out: cause a continuation of the same thing over and over until somebody figures how to do things differently!
Simply being terrorized by someone doesn't mean that said someone is committing terrorism.
If that were the case, then Wes Craven, M Night Shamayalan and Stephen King would all have luxury suites at Gitmo....
According to all laws within the Geneva Conventions and the International Criminal Courts and the rules of warfare, Israel has the moral high ground..
Michale...
"This one fact is what allows Israel to take and hold the legal, moral and ethical high ground."
Nope, it doesn't. Perhaps in your mind though, since you have indeed stated this once or twice or 48,386 times.
This article is very interesting: http://eng
I. does need to take the moral high ground -- but not by what this guy means by it.
See Melissa Rossi's Profile
Re: Hamas elected
In the 2006 Palestinian Authority election that the US insisted was held -- despite indications that Hamas would win, and pleas from governments such as Jordan's to postpone that election -- Hamas took the majority of votes -- and gained the seat of prime minister as well as the majority of parliament. The US and Israel flipped -- other governments were also not pleased -- but the US and Israel demanded the freezing of Hamas funding and PA revenues due from tax collection, making it impossible to rule effectively. The US and Israel backed Fatah and very much pushed Abbas to shove Hamas out of power. Despite a Saudi-negotiated agreement between the two parties, bloody fighting did indeed break out and Hamas seized Gaza without another vote as they were being pushed out of power by Fatah -- and they were kicked out of the Palestinian Authority, which they kicked out of Gaza . As noted in the piece, the right of Hamas to rule is questionable indeed.
I don't support Hamas. I'm saying this is a dangerous, unbalanced situation and that killing civilians and pummeling people trapped in a box is setting the world on fire with rage. I am pointing out the many grays, many absent in reports from the American media. I am truly concerned about the ramifications for Israel (and Gaza), and I don't think this attack was ultimately in Israel's best interests.
Brilliant article
Sorry, no sale.
It's way too easy for "the world" to castigate Israel for finally eradicating an entire hornet's nest (rather than forlornly attempting to only kill the specific hornets actually doing the stinging) when they aren't being stung themselves.
When the Gazans start shooting the cowards who store munitions in their mosques, population centers and schools, the same cowards who hide behind women and children and old people while fighting, then they will deserve respect and sympathy.
While I would have put it more diplomatically (no, really, I would have.. :D ) I agree in principle with what you say..
The Palestinians do have a long history of supporting the likes of HAMAS... While I am on record as saying that I DO sympathize with the Palestinians and their plight, it is nonetheless a fact that the Palestinians do share a measure of responsibility for the actions of HAMAS..
Michale...
Wow, cold.
Sorry to break this to you, but the Gazans ain't gonna ethnically cleanse themselves out of existence. That's something Israel was always going to have to dirty it's own hands with -- on the US taxpayer's bill, at least.
Well written. Let's hope Israel gets off its suicide mission.
As soon as HAMAS stops firing missiles into Israel and agrees that Israel has a right to exist, then the IDF and the IAF will stand down.
Michale...
Hamas had ceased firing missles from the start of the cease fire in July, straight through until November 5th -- after Israel broke the cease fire twice over, never lifting the blockade and staging an assault on Hamas. The fact is, if Hamas stops fighting, the only thing Israel will do is send in its fleet of bulldozers next.
As soon as Israel lifts the blockade and recognizes that Palestinians have rights too. See, both sides have rights and responsibilities.
I really don't get the "Wahhh, wahhhhhh, he won't recognize me."
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