Finishing The Job In Gaza

On October 7^th, Israel paid painful price of the policy and intelligence errors of the past. It also experienced a galvanizing shock which united its people to face an existential crisis. The people appreciate that Hamas must be totally eradicated from its territory if they are to look forward to any future security in their homes. What has been tolerated to avoid war can no longer be allowed.

By now, the world is well acquainted with what occurred in Israel on October 7^th. There was a surprise attack by Hamas from the Gaza strip. About 1200 were killed and over 250 individuals were taken back to Gaza as hostages. In US proportional terms it was as if nearly 40,000 people were murdered in one day and 10,000 were kidnapped. Owing to those 3000 deaths, the US started a war which lasted twenty years over that provocation. Unsurprisingly Israel declared war on Hamas.

Israel appreciates that it lives in a dangerous neighborhood but it has been making substantial progress toward making it a more peaceful one. Indeed, that is probably the reason Iran incited the Hamas attack. Its military prowess has been born of its birthing experiences. It is well equipped to deal with the threats it faces. It may have been the restraint urged on it by its friends, and their fear of a wider war, that may have prevented Israel from acting sooner. It has developed potent military tools to protect itself. That may not be the sufficient case in the future.

What Israel has tolerated in Gaza, while going to the aid of Palestinians there with vital supplies, medical aid, jobs, has not led to peace but emboldened jihadists. There has been no concern for the Palestinians from any source that was in effect strengthening the jihadist forces. Aside from Israeli aid, the Palestinians were left to rot under the heel of forces that saw them only as civilian shields for terrorist activities carried out at the behest of Iran. In spite of the hardships, with billions diverted to terrorism, the population more than tripled.

From the beginning of the conflict, flourishing jihadist support around the globe stands witness to the inroads that Islamism has made in Western societies and even in the heart the West’s premiere centers of learning. Western civilization itself is being threatened. Millions have arrived from the Middle East who have been indoctrinated for generations to hate the West, and all it stands for, to hate Israel and the Jews.

Israel must confront allies, enemies, and useful idiots, in its effort to eradicate Hamas. All are bewailing the impact of the war on Palestinians who are being placed in harm’s way by the practices of Hamas to shield themselves from Israeli forces. In spite of Israeli efforts to protect civilians from the worst, Hamas forces intentionally place them in  the middle of fighting, sometimes at gun point.

We remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the carpet bombing of German cities, during World War II, when facing an implacable enemy, to save Allied soldiers’ lives.Then we listen to the outcry from our friends knowing what Israel does to avert civilian harm at the cost of Jewish soldier’s lives. Why the blatant double standard?

Israel will persist until Hamas is eradicated in Gaza, and yes, in the West Bank. Israel will, with its allies, forge a representative government for Palestinians in the Strip, while maintaining responsibility for overall security.

The story for what must be done in the region is not done.  Israel will persist in building bridges with Arab nations to frustrate the jihadists. Israel has built powerful defensive mechanisms to protect its people and its land. As always, it will share them with the world.

Israel will finish the job in Gaza.