WILL THEY TURN HAMAS' PREOCCUPATION BACK INTO ISRAELI OCCUPATION?
Has Israel fallen into the trap set by political violence, whereby it is hoped that largely ineffectual, random violence provokes an over-response, creating a broader sympathy for 'the cause'?
Their leadership seem to be throwing a tantrum, rather than thinking through strategic options.
Why should the Israeli army fight the civil war that the Palestinians couldn't (except in the relatively wimpy way in which the Hamas seized control)? Because they have to?
Why should the Israeli army fight the civil war that the Palestinians couldn't? Because they have to?
Four weeks ago, that didn't seem like it was such an imperative. Who in the international community knew that Israel was rapidly reaching a breaking point? Certainly, the EU's man-on-the spot, Tony Blair, seemed clueless (indicating that no one really has the close council of the Israeli trigger finger?).The whole thing looks as politically and militarily disjoint as the last one, the Lebanon adventure.
Except, with this one, they are potentially stirring up more trouble for themselves, rather than deepening the lines that were already serving them well, politically, at least ...
At its best, it removes a logjam, creating a new opening, but at great cost and the risk of untold instability because of a lack of certainty over how a ground campaign will sort itself, let alone a new government in the strip.
At its worst, it looks either like intentionally stirring the pot, as did Sharon's romp on the Temple Mount or just elderly, male politicians, vying electorally, like McCain, over who is the worst nightmare for the Hamas... which is why the whole thing ought to come into focus, and quickly.
