At the end of July, Israel took out two notably bad guys. Ismail Haniyeh, a Palestinian political leader from Gaza and Fuad Sukr, a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon. Just two of the hundreds of their targeted killings since 1967. While few would lament the loss of two ‘terrorists’, one must question the strategic gain from such actions, (which, by the way, are expressly a contravention of international law.) As we have observed in an agonizing number of cases, the loss of one leader is quickly replaced by another, no less supported, no less motivated and no less threatening. Moreover, such killings seem to unite the injured party and reinforce its resolve for revenge, so the cycle goes on, seemingly in perpetuity. Nothing ever gets resolved. It is also worrying that Haniyeh was the chief Palestinian negotiator with the U.S. and Qatar trying to reach agreement with Israel for a cease fire, which raises the question as to just how anxious Israel is to end, or at least to pause, the conflict and free their hostages.
The current war was indeed justified after the October 7th atrocities, but it has gone on far too long, impacted far too many innocents and destroyed far too many homes, schools and hospitals. However justifiable the elimination of Hamas may be, its demise will not resolve the underlying issue that has given meaning, purpose and resolve to the Palestinian resistance movement, which has one simple aim – – – to recover their lost lands and reinstate their basic rights, lost now for over 57 years.
Yes, Israel has the right to defend itself. It needs and deserves peace and security for its people, but for decades, its policies have not brought it closer to that objective. For too long Likud policies of expanding Israel’s footprint in the West Bank has taken priority over homeland security. It seems that many in the influential, ultra-orthodox political parties see current insecurity as just birthing pains on the road to establishing a Greater Israel including all Palestinian territories and the eventual expulsion of all Palestinians from it. It’s hard to see that happening. Only when Jews and Arabs can find a formula for sharing the land, to which they both lay claim, will there be peace.
Palestinians must have a true sovereign nation, in the land where they have for many centuries lived and died, before there can be peace in the region and security for Israel.
– – – – Just the view of a common man
Views of a Common Man 