Numerous friends and family members have asked me about the matsav (the situation) in Israel and the escalating tensions with Gaza so I figured it would be appropriate to comment about it using this forum.
The town of Sderot in the negev has long had to deal with rockets launched from the Gaza strip. Even when Israel unilaterally withdrew from the Gaza strip, the rockets didn't cease, dispelling any myth that if Israel would end the "occupation" terrorism would also end. This week things worsened as Hamas launched up to 30 rockets per day. Thankfully most hit open fields or damaged property, with few casualties or serious injuries. However, the town of Sderot is constantly on "red alert", giving a minute warning of an incoming rocket. Children and adults are constantly running for shelter disrupting any normalcy that might exist. Most of the rockets have been primitive, but this week Hamas used a more refined and exact Russian rocket that hit the coastal city of Askelon. It served as a wake up call to Israelis and the government- how long until Hamas gets its hands on a rocket capable of reaching Tel Aviv or Jerusalem? Would the world be as judgmental of Israel's right to defend itself if Hamas was able to hit the population center of Israel?
Unfortunately, Israel has little choice when it comes to responding to such terrorist attacks. On the one hand- if it doesn't do anything, rockets will continue to rain on the cities and towns in the Negev potentially causing a substantial loss of life. Additionally, it sends the message to Hamas and the other terrorist networks that Israel will use restrain because it is a democratic country that has to respond to public demand and world outcry. It also allows Hamas to build a greater stockpile of rockets that will be capable of reaching places like Tel Aviv. On the other hand- if Israel retaliates, Hamas will hide behind its civilian population and many innocent people will die, making Israel look like it is using excessive force and punishing the local population. Additionally, it kills the possibility of progressing with a peace deal with Mahmoud Abbas since he buckles under pressure by Palestinians in the West Bank to cease negotiations while Gaza is being attacked. Hamas has obtained a disproportionate amount of power when it comes to dictating the Middle East peace process. Even though it isn't a real negotiating partner, it can derail the process with a few rockets and favorable news coverage.
The media has a way of over simplifying this crisis as it describes the escalating conflict- making Israel look overly retaliatory even in light of Hamas' aggression. Although I don't agree with every point that Helene Cooper makes in this article, it shows the complexity of the issue and the lack of choices that exist for all parties-including the US- when dealing with a terrorist network (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/world/middleeast/03diplo.html?hp). The reaction in Israel is equally as grim- while most people recognize that Hamas is not a viable peace partner, they see little choice but to bring them to the negotiating table. This tit-for-tat ping pong match is not a long term solution and will continue to hurt Israel's image in the world court, but until the people of the Gaza strip value their independence and children's future more than their desire to annihilate Israel, a real peace deal is not a viable option.
I am not trying to be self-righteous and claim that Israel has done no wrong when it comes to the Palestinian people and the Gaza Strip. Israel has definitely made its share of mistakes. But no other country in the world has had to show as much restraint in dealing with its enemy as Israel. This little country is surrounded by countries and terrorist organization that want to see the demise of the Jewish state and its people. I don't think any country in the world would want to trade spots with Israel yet they are the first to point fingers and judge.
The optimist in me wants to believe that a solution exists and that we haven't reached deep enough to find it. But the realist in me recognizes that you can't shake hands with the person that will simultaneously try to stab you in the back and strive for your destruction. I hope I am wrong...
