Dramatic popular uprisings across the Arab world have overshadowed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent weeks. Nevertheless, last week’s exchange of fire across the Gaza-Israel border, including the firing of Grad rockets at Beer Sheva and Israel Air Forces strikes at targets in Gaza, serves as a reminder that the potential for violent confrontation on that front remains. Indeed, because of the historical connection between Egypt and Gaza, there has been speculation that the overthrow of Egyptian President Husni Mubarak, by further emboldening Hamas, may well contribute to that outcome. Some linkage no doubt exists, but whether it will actually operate in that manner remains in doubt.
