How many Israelis will have to die before the Israeli government will act?
Two attacks against Israeli cities – Eilat and Ashkelon -- and one on an IDF patrol along the Lebanese border within two days indicate what Israel is up against. Large civilian populations are at risk and the Israeli government and IDF seem unprepared, again.
These attacks expose Israel's vulnerability, its inability, or unwillingness to protect Israelis, and a fundamental failure in strategic thinking. By focusing on what our enemies are doing, and begging the world to help us and punish them, we are walking into the same trap that engorged Israel in Lebanon and Gaza since withdrawing from these territories.
The strategic failure is that the Israeli government continues to rely on the international community to aid in its defense. Israeli political and military leaders are unwilling to act according to Israel's national interest and may be confused by the belief that "there is no military solution."
When attacked, however, there is only a military solution. Diplomacy follows victory, not defeat. All three incidents follow a dangerous pattern in which Israeli policy simply encourages future attacks, and displays a surprising failure to think ahead.
Israel’s unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005 created Hamastan – a terrorist semi-state with an open border (via tunnels) with Egypt. That Hamas was apparently able to attack Eilat from Sinai and escape without Egyptian interference (and denial) is a clear indication of Israel's vulnerability along that border.
Meanwhile, Israel's response to the attack on Ashkelon was to take out a Hamas commander; his successor is already in place, preparing for the next strike. This demonstrates the negative impact of Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. Criticized and condemned - especially by the UN's Goldstone Report, Israel cannot act effectively to prevent attacks. Having failed to achieve anything substantial - rescuing Gilad Shalit, eliminating the smuggling tunnels and taking out Hamas - in 2009, it is much more difficult to launch another full scale incursion.
On the Lebanese front, restocked and rebuilt after Israel's incursion in 2006, Hezbollah is stronger than ever. Israeli military and intelligence experts warn that there may be a war soon. Why then pretend that the Lebanese government, army, and UNIFIL will protect Israel? Why send an isolated patrol with a crane into potentially dangerous territory? Thanks to former Prime Minister Olmert and Foreign Minister Livni, their inadequate agreements set Israel up for a more devastating war.
Ironically, these attacks occurred when the Israeli police arrested a rabbi for having written a book about the Rambam's view of halacha concerning how Jewish soldiers should act in war. One may question the
book's opinions, but not the principle: Jewish life is sacred and should not be sacrificed to appease others. Self-defense is a mitzvah.
The name of the game is deterrence and determination. Israeli leaders who offer hollow warnings and threats only appear as fools and invite future attacks. There is only one way to deal with an enemy: Defeat it. Later, perhaps, you may cooperate.
