In this era of spontaneous violence, it’s perilous to call for military action against Hamas or any violent group. It’s even more bizarre to encounter protests from Americans and other people outside of the Middle East for doing so. Nevertheless, I believe military force by Israel is justifiable in response to the atrocities perpetuated by the terrorists.
The world empathizes with Palestine, in spite of the terrorist attack and Israel’s policy to minimize collateral damage. In defense of its sovereignty, Israel had no other options.
If there was a revolution in Ontario, Canada and terrorists moved south into Michigan killing and maiming Americans, ala Hamas, would the US retaliate? Certainly, it would. We would hunt down the murderers nonstop until every criminal was killed or captured. Sadly, we would be aggressive even if collateral damage occurred.
This is not the first time that enemies of democracy in the Middle East have used noncombatants to shield their dirty deeds. Saddam Hussein used similar tactics in his war with the US. Truman killed thousands of innocents effectively ending the World War with Japan. His justification was that an all-out invasion with Japan would cost thousands of American lives. Truman’s decision is still being debated by ethicists.
Hamas has goaded Israel into using deadly force. See New York Times front page story on Thursday. The deadlier the response by Israel soldiers, the more the world empathizes with the Palestinians. This tactic by Hamas is contemptible. They want their enemy to attack fellow Arabs to capture the sympathies of the global community.
Young people around the world are marching every day in protest of the death of Palestinians. Who’s lamenting innocents being bombed every day in Israel?
Netanyahu had a tough but obvious choice. He could have tried to make peace with Hamas in spite of the viciousness of the attack a few weeks ago, or he could have mobilized his military, ask for US support and hunt down the scum that has no empathy for innocent bystanders. He chose the latter.
The Middle East is attempting to modernize, unsuccessfully. The value of life is still too cheap. Arabs must force their leaders to give more consideration to the common people. Sacrificing thousands to make a political statement is very dirty business.
Arabs and Jews have inhabited the space known as Israel for ages. Both have a claim to land that surrounds very holy places throughout Israel. The two groups have fought viciously for many years since Israel established a new state. Since that time violence has not subsided.
The question is: does either party have a stronger claim to the area that’s currently identified as Israel? Unlike colonialists of the past few centuries, Israel did not attack and abuse the people in the area in which they established their country. Israel has been counterpunching terrorists that believe Arabs have a first claim on Israel.
Unlike the colonialists of years gone by, Israelis have no place to retreat to if the land was taken away from them. Jewish desperation is always overwhelming in negotiations involving land.
Eliminating Hamas is a noble objective. They have proven how uncaring they are for the needs of related groups. It is a giant power struggle. Other wealthy Arab nations are careful not to offend groups affiliated with terrorism. Insurgency in their countries is a great concern. And equally important is the age-old feud between Shia (Iran) and Sunni (Saudi Arabia).
One thing is becoming clearer: the US will not be able to lead a new peace initiative. Arab statesmen in the region will need to step up and drive an initiative.
Israel had no choice but to go after the Hamas interlopers. Nevertheless, Israel will suffer bad times for the foreseeable future as they spend billions on retaining their right to live in peace.