Good morning,
“It’s not a war or a battlefield; it’s a massacre. It’s something I never saw in my life, something more like a pogrom from our grandparents’ time.” –Major General Itai Veruv, Israeli commander at Kfar Azza village.
In the midst of all that has been happening in Israel this past week, and without being too political or endorsing any point of view, I have found myself musing about any number of things related to the situation in Gaza, the impending invasion, and possible outcomes.
I recognize that there are those who will believe I am too understanding of the Gazan plight, in light of the atrocities that have occurred, while others may interpret my support of the Israeli response as supporting what likely will involve the deaths of innocents. Suffice it to say that, while Israel must root-out this cancerous situation in its backyard, I am concerned that the all-too-natural human over-reaction can create even greater problems. History has a way of playing out in unforeseen ways. While Pearl Harbor established American resolve to defeat fascism, our response to 9/11 pushed us into unwinnable wars.
In any event, here are a few of my musings on this terrible situation, gleaned from the many responses from readers and my own reading of the news, blogs, and thought-pieces:
THE RECENT MASSACRES
What Hamas terrorists did in the recent invasion of Israel is nothing short of cold-blooded murder. The first-hand reports and videos tell a story of wanton disregard for human life. Just as is the case with all criminal behaviors, these people must be brought to justice, one way or another. I do not advise watching these videos; it is better to imagine what has happened than bear witness to them in shocking and unsettling videos.
Killing and kidnapping of civilians is simply unacceptable. I hope there will be some sort of deal to bring these people home to their loved ones. Threats to kill prisoners is against all international law and humanity.
When someone suggests Hamas is just a local political faction, they ignore the fundamental anti-Jewish ideology. For a good summary of this, an incisive article by Rob Eshman in The Forward: https://forward.com/opinion/564190/hamas-charter-truth/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ForwardingtheNews_7997438
THE IMPENDING INVASION AND GROUND WAR
Israel has every right to attack Gaza, with the goal of eliminating the ability of Hamas to inflict damage on Israel. I am proud that President Biden and other world leaders have indicated their unwavering support of the Israeli people and the need to eliminate Hamas’s ability to do anything further.
I am appalled that former president Trump and some of his allies have claimed that the United States brokered deal with Iran “funded” these attacks. All of that money is in escrow to ensure its civilian uses and, as point of fact, not a dollar of those funds yet has been released. Exploiting this tragedy for domestic political gain, particularly when supported by lies, is reprehensible.
While Israel must react and root-out the Hamas leadership and fighters, it is my hope that they will do so in a manner that is consistent with international law and in a way that minimizes the impact on innocents that live in Gaza. The Israel Defense Force has been known for providing notice to people in an area to be attacked. I hope they continue this “best in class” practice.
I am concerned that Israel is set to invade Gaza, the “home turf” of Hamas, while leaders continue to speak of a long and painful campaign. Hamas will be ready. There are three deeply concerning aspects to this long siege. First, there will be considerable loss of life. Second, this can become a quagmire, from which it will be difficult for Israel to extricate itself. Third, as this drags on, world opinion will turn against Israel.
THE ONGOING PROBLEMS
In the wake of unspeakable crimes, there are those who speak of the Gazan people writ large as if they collectively responsible for these acts and the acts of Hamas. There is a distinction to be drawn between ordinary citizens and a terror organization that, while elected to office with a plurality back in 2006 (with no subsequent plebiscite), is not the mouthpiece for the average Gazan.
I continue to hear that the Gazan people should overthrow Hamas. Of course they should, but the question is whether they can. Imagine living in an area where the “government” is armed to the teeth and will kill you or your family members for stepping out of line.
The Gazans have legitimate complaints against their lack of government and the blockades by Egypt and Israel. The status quo cannot continue. A population cannot be expected to continue to live in a small area that has not experienced meaningful foreign investment in economic development. And while they certainly have received foreign support, that support has been diverted by Hamas to military, non-civilian uses.
The Israelis have the right to know that they can live their lives in the same relative safety as all people around the world should enjoy. They have the right to know that they do not share borders with people who are set on their destruction. Hamas is dedicated to an anti-Zionist and anti-Jewish belief system that leaves little room for discussion.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
Many Israelis say that they can’t negotiate with terrorists, like Hamas, and there is no organized group that can act on behalf of the Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority has been rife with corruption and seemingly uninterested in long-term solutions, rejecting land-for-peace proposals over the years. Meanwhile, Gaza being run by a terrorist organization that at its core seeks the destruction of Israel is a situation destined to foment further conflict. And while it may be a true statement that there is a leadership vacuum, it is not an excuse for not trying to find resolution to the crises in Gaza and the West Bank. I say “crises” intentionally, as the short- and medium-term solutions for each may be quite different from each other. But it seems clear that (a) there is no “Palestinian partner,” (b) the current Israeli government is unwilling to imagine reasonable solutions, and (c) Israel lacks the capacity, will, or moral authority to manage the territory in the long term. This is why Israel, with the help and backing of the U.S. and the U.N., must act in concert to secure some new status for Gaza.
There is no formulation where Israel can administer Gaza nor is there any circumstance in which Hamas can administer Gaza. Further, it seems unlikely that a liberal democracy can be put in place, with free elections, until there is rebuilding and stabilization. There is a history of protectorates being established to govern and stabilize an area until indigenous leadership, infrastructure, and instrumentalities of governance can emerge. While I haven’t fully developed my thoughts on this, I think a protectorate, under UN and/or Egyptian control, is a potential reasonable medium-term solution that could work.
Meanwhile, I worry about Hezbollah and Iran capitalizing on the situation.
There has been a lot said about prayer for Israelis, on the one hand, and there are others who pray for the innocent citizens of Gaza, on the other hand. These sentiments are not mutually exclusive. Both Israelis and Palestinians are worthy of our prayer and our best wishes to live in peace and health. I hope that Israel exercises restraint, as much as I hope Hezbollah does the same, while the Gazan militants are neutralized. I do not pray for Hamas.
Worrying a lot these days,
Glenn
While I usually disagree with you, I value your views. This sort of dialogue is useful and maybe even constructive. In this case you have made smart observations and I think you are correct on many counts. I have one bone to pick (I usually have a few more). The 6 billion has not been used. That is true. Saying that having those funds available to the Iranians makes no difference is certainly not the case. You and I both know that money is fungible. Money that can be sourced for humanitarian purposes in Iran makes if possible for them to redirect other funds to malign purposes without the political or social cost applying their resources that way might have on their population. Did the 6 billion dollar deal cause Iran to support Hamas in the way they have. Certainly not. Did it indicate that they could with little cost to them consent to the go ahead on the Hamas terror plans? One can surmise it was a factor. 6 billion for 6 lives? Possibly a bit much (unless, of course, you are one of those lives or families of one of those lives)