| « Previous: Is the Arab World Giving Up on the Palestinians? | Next: Ignoring the Threat of Katyusha Rockets » |
Hezbollah and Hamas Provoking a Regional War
12 July 2006There is no doubt in our minds that terrorist entities Hamas and Hezbollah are trying to provoke a regional war. Their apparent new strategy of kidnapping is being done deliberately to draw Israel into another long-term, protracted war. They know that Israel cherishes the life of their people and will do anything it can to get them back alive and unharmed. This is why Hamas and Hezbollah are putting much effort into getting Israelis alive.
Today’s kidnapping of Israeli soldiers on the northern border with Lebanon resulted in an Israeli incursion. At least three more Israeli soldiers, thus far, have been killed (Hezbollah claims it has killed 7). Israel is being given no choice but to retaliate to protect it’s soldiers, and Hezbollah knows this.
Today’s action, which began with Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel, is a dangerous escalation on the Northern border and further underscores Israel’s point that terrorist groups do not want to live in peace with Israel. This is why we disagreed with Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza - it follows Israel’s history of giving something up and not getting anything in return. This sends the wrong signal to terrorists groups - they see it as a weakness, much like they saw Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon six years ago. In response to Israel’s withdrawals, terrorists don’t change their demands, but often increase them. Hezbollah’s reason for being (six years ago, anyway), was Israel’s 18 year presence in Southern Lebanon. Israel withdrew, but Hezbollahremains a threat to Israel. Few people know, but Israel estimates that Hezbollah that 10,000 to 12,000 missiles are aimed at Israel - hardly the act of a party that wants peace.
In the coming days, Israel must act strategically. Hezbollah and Hamas want to widen this war and only a smart Israeli response can prevent that from happening.
Tags:Arab/Muslim World , Commentary , hamas , hezbollah , israeli security , israeli withdrawals , rocket launches , southern lebanon , terrorist groups
