I bring your attention to the following three recent news summaries from the NYT as visible through Bloglines.
November 14, 2008
Deadly Gaza Border Clash Threatens Truce
Four Hamas gunmen were killed in a clash with Israeli soldiers along the Gaza border, testing a shaky truce.
November 16, 2008
Hamas Fires Rockets Into Israel
By By ETHAN BRONNER and TAGHREED EL-KHODARY
on Olmert, EhudHamas officials said the attack was revenge for the deaths over the past 11 days of 11 militants and the recent increased Israeli closing of Gaza crossings.
November 17, 2008
Israel Kills 4 Militants in Gaza Strip
Israel’s leaders ratcheted up their rhetoric Sunday after an Israeli airstrike killed four Palestinian militants in Hamas-run Gaza, leaving a five-month truce in tatters.
Notice that the one action that’s described as leaving the “truce” in “tatters” is Israel’s response. But let’s not forget that Israel didn’t target or kill innocents as Elder of Ziyon observes. (Warning graphic photo.)
No matter how many mortars or rockets were fired into Israel, the usual MSM report would be that it “endangered” – never “violated” – the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. It’s important to remember what Hamas sought to achieve with the Tahdiya:
The cease-fire grants Hamas a golden opportunity to expand its military build-up for the next round of terror and violence. Emulating Hizbullah’s strategy, Hamas is striving to acquire longer-range and more destructive missiles to be used for deterrence and as a sword on Israel’s neck.
Israel has acknowledged Hamas, albeit unwillingly, as the de facto ruling power in Gaza. Israel’s acceptance of the cease-fire is a blow to the international war on terror and gives immunity to Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza, including al-Qaeda affiliates.
Another diplomatic consequence of the tahdiya will be increasing pressure on Israel to accept a reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah in the future. That could lead to increasing demands on Israel to negotiate a permanent status arrangement with the joint Hamas-Fatah government, while Hamas remains committed to its political program for the elimination of Israel. It is important to recall that the entire Israeli-Palestinian negotiating track since the convening of the Annapolis conference was premised on the exclusion of Hamas and the ultimate achievement of an agreement between the Israeli government and the government of Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah alone.
Another important point to recall is that the ceasefire was for six months. Given that Hamas was using the opportunity to build its fortifications, build up its armaments and shore up its supplies. Israel is striking now, not to end the ceasefire, but because the ceasefire is about to end and the threat from giving Hamas six months to prepare mostly unharassed, making the threat of attacks from Gaza imminent.
Crossposted on Soccer Dad.
Take it to the terrorists like General Sherman / General Grant did during the American Civil War. Scorched earth march to the sea (through Atlanta) style. Or like the first King Hussein of Jordan did when his army destroyed the terrorists in the Black September attack on their “refugee” camp. No quarter will be given by the terrorists–give them what they understand and fear.
John Bibb