Gerald Giam / Senior Writer
Israeli blogger and former army reserve “AronT”, who blogs at Aron’s Israeli Peace Weblog, claimed that Israelis have long been indoctrinated by three political/military laws which dictate their dealings with Palestinians.
The first is one is: If force doesn’t work, apply more force.
The second law that most Israelis blindly accept is that “in a tough neighborhood, you have to be the toughest, whatever the cost.” This is used to justify any “disproportionate response” to Palestinian attacks.
Finally Aron’s third Israeli political law is: Arab leaders are intractable terrorists out to destroy Israel, so there is no one on the other side to talk to.
Aron’s full explanation of his three laws is at this blogpost.
Looking at the situation in Gaza right now, it is hard not to be convinced that these three laws are at play.
Current situation
Let’s have a quick situation report at the time of writing:
Following the end of an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Palestinian faction Hamas and Israel in December, Hamas resumed short range rocket attacks on Israeli towns bordering Gaza. This prompted Israel to launch its most blistering and sustained attack on Gaza since the 1967 Six Day War. As it stands now, there are about 470 Palestinians killed and over 2,000 injured. The UN says that about a quarter of the dead Palestinians are civilians. Four Israelis have been killed by rocket fire from Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has just launched a ground offensive into Gaza, with infantry, artillery, engineering and intelligence forces now inside the territory.
On the diplomatic front, the United Nations Security Council has failed to agree on a statement condemning the Israeli attacks because the US has blocked it, claiming it is unbalanced. The US, Israel’s staunchest ally, is the lone major power in the world overtly supporting Israeli attacks, saying that Israel has a right to defend itself, and that a one-way ceasefire that leads to rocket attacks from Hamas is not acceptable.
Meanwhile, the President of the UN General Assembly, who represents all 192 member nations, has called Israeli actions a “monstrosity”.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called the Israeli ground operations “an extremely disturbing development” and said “it can only exacerbate the already grave humanitarian situation”.
Reactions from some Singaporeans
While Singaporeans have understandably not taken to the streets to protest, unlike in other major cities like Sydney, New York and Jakarta, I asked two Singaporeans for their views on the current situation. (Note: These are their personal opinions. I make no claims that they are representative of all Singaporeans.)
On whether Israel’s current response is appropriate, lecturer Dr Syed Alwi questioned whether this attack by Israel is aimed at defending itself or for Israeli public consumption prior to elections.
NUS law student Cynthia Tang had this view:
The ferocity of Israel’s response to Hamas in the Gaza Strip must be understood within the conundrum of Israeli domestic politics. Israel’s general elections will be held on 10 February, where the prospect of a return to power of hawkish Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud Party is not low. Hence, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (from the more moderate Kadima Party who had advocated land for peace) feels the pressure to harden his position on Hamas. There was initially a wave of Israeli sentiments towards land for peace (when Ariel Sharon was prime minister and first pushed for it), however the tide on the ground has changed since Olmert took over and failed to deliver the security benefits which would presumably materialise under the land concession and his government’s weak response in the second Lebanon war (in 2006), where the overwhelming deterrence once enjoyed by the almost invincible Israeli military was severely dented.
Israel’s response has worsened the situation in Gaza as, in addition to the attacks, they have, more damagingly, locked down the Gaza crossings which have completely crippled the Palestinian economy. Such actions only serve to back Hamas and the Palestinian people into a corner, and make an agreement for a ceasefire difficult.
US support for Israel
On the one-sided US support for Israel, Ms Tang was of the view that the “US has to support Israel due to its domestic politics. Outside of the Jewish lobby in Washington, the general public opinion in the USA is still very much for Israel.”
She quoted an article in Foreign Affairs magazine, which stated that “widespread gentile (i.e., non-Jewish) support for Israel is one of the most potent political forces in the U.S foreign policy”. She opined that incoming President Barack Obama will be no exception.
Dr Alwi felt that the US’ response has added to its credibility problem in the Muslim world.
I am personally disappointed at Mr Obama’s silence on this matter. He has stated that he does not want to undermine the outgoing administration’s position. However, I believe it is a cop-out to avoid confronting a political hot potato. I’m sure he knows what is right, but is afraid to say it for fear of losing political capital with conservatives and the Jewish lobby.
In fact, I agree with some analysts that Israel has decided to seize the chance to attack Hamas now before January 20, when Mr Obama — who is much more fair minded on the Israeli-Palestinian issue — takes over as President.
Negotiating with Hamas?
Israel has categorically stated that it will not sit at the negotiating table with Hamas, which it brands a terrorist organisation.
Dr Alwi pointed out:
The problem with the word “terrorist”, is that one man’s terrorism is another man’s freedom-fighter. But I do agree that Hamas used to target civilians and this works against her image. Yes, I think Israel has to sit at the negotiating table because just about every other Arab Muslim group has had “terror” in its repertoire. If you do not deal with Hamas then who are you going to deal with? Once again is this because of altruistic moral reasons or is this refusal to deal with Hamas just for the consumption of the Israeli conservative lobby?
Hamas is a poor Muslim response to an organised militant Israel. You are not dealing with sophisticated ideas here. Its a raw response that plays on the Arab Muslim aspirations. Part demagoguery and part Rambo — but mostly poverty! These are people who feed on a sense of hopelessness, American double standards and Islamic rhetoric. I do not like Hamas, but then, the rest are no better.
Ms Tang added:
I have no doubt that Hamas is a terrorist organisation today. At present, the organisation routinely and systematically perpetrates acts of terror against Israel and had vowed itself against the very existence of Israel. However, that does not mean that there is no room for Hamas to gain legitimacy down the road as a political entity.
When Fatah was first founded and led by Yasser Arafat and other members of the Palestinian Diaspora in the 1960s and 1970s, it was one of the chief terrorist groups conducting terrorist attacks against Israel and also provided training to other Islamic militant groups. However, it gained legitimacy in 1993 when the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) renounced terrorism and signed an agreement of mutual recognition with Israel. This is not to say the Fatah re-entered into the mainstream out of the goodness of their heart, but because all political entities are pragmatic and will do the necessary to stay in power. In this case, Fatah did so to become the de facto government in the Palestinian Territories. If Fatah, the original armed nationalist group, could gain legitimacy and re-enter into the mainstream along the way, who is to say that Hamas can’t or will not? Hence, are they a terrorist group now? Yes. But it is an unknown if they will continue to be a terrorist group indefinitely. The key question is how do we incentivise Hamas to see it in their interest to enter into the mainstream, quite akin to Gaddafi’s Libya.
I agree that eventually Israel will need to negotiate with Hamas if it is to find a political solution, as distasteful as it might seem to them. The reality is that Hamas won the popular vote of the Palestinians (partly due to a fatal miscalculation by the US and Fatah).
And not just the PLO, but other political movements which started out with violence took the peaceful, responsible path after coming to power. South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) is another example (although the violence committed by the ANC pales in comparison with that committed by the PLO and Hamas).
It should be pointed out that Hamas, along with all other Arab countries, actually supported the Arab Peace Initiative proposed in 2002 by Saudi Arabia. The Arab Peace Initiative, among other things, considers the Arab-Israeli conflict ended and establishes normal relations with Israel in exchange for full Israeli withdrawal from all the Arab territories occupied since June 1967.
This is not to defend Hamas, which has, like the IDF, committed dastardly deeds against civilians. But one thing is for sure: Continued eye-for-an-eye violence is not going to bring peace — at least not in this conflict.
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Picture from the BBC.
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PEACE
Jumbo,
you have created a lot mumbo jumbo out of the dirt you dug out somewhere.
Look, they are falsehoods and some jew haters’ fantasies.
I beleive you are a new muslim and would believe anything that is anti- jews.
Do you know how many jews are there in this world and beyond? You will be surprised. First, they are everywhere. The largest concentration are in China and India. Together they make up more than 2.5 billions , excluding those in Europe and Africa.
ZIONISHERE #102 – you may have the right to reasonably question any unsubstantiated claims made by Jumbo, but I read your comment and I’d like to question where you get your sources of information.
“in this world and beyond?” – ???
“2.5 billion” Jews??? – the last reasonable account I am aware of is that 40% of the Jewish population lives in Israel (Population – including Arabs: 7.18 million) …
I do not know who is fantasizing more … you or Jumbo. Kindly show us where you derived those ludicrous claims from so the rest of us can be enlightened.
As for Jumbo – #55, you may have a point (I pointed out in another comment – related thread – that the people driven away from what was Palestine back in 1948 may still be alive and living in Gaza). However, how do you propose to relocate the 4-5 million (my guess) European Jewry from where they are living now? And even if it is possible, is it right? Will they give it up without a fight? If it were you who had to move, would you fight such a decision after living there for 60 years?
A quote from Rabbi Y D Weiss #11) will answer 113) Lee Chee Wai
Before the advent of Zionism, Muslims and Christian, Arabs and Jews, lived peacefully together in the Holy Land, as in all the Muslim lands, — Ask your grandparents! — They remember those peaceful days! And in fact it is here the opportune time to thank all the Muslim countries for their extraordinary friendship, hospitality and safe haven that they have provided to the Jewish people throughout the ages!
let me give you all a brief but accurate history of the Jews
who lived all over the world
by the way
singapore last Jew settlement of over 200++
migrated to australia
for they too
have the forsight being the lowest minority here in singapore
they would not have a good/fair deal
this is NOT a myth….
all the while
Jews are born merchants
from the early days of the persian empire
they are not bred with a fightin warrior machine
their manin aim in lives
is to make money
tons of money
now you see
after the second world war
in america
the Jews
worked hard
earned hard
which rsulted in mgm movies morgul
jewelries store
from diamond to gold
in the early mafia days the Jews had to form their cartel
to protect thmeselves against any bullies
whether its the italians or the american negros
you have seen the holocaust
which resulted in 6 millions of them perish
UNARMED
why did adolf hitler
hates them so much?
simply because THEY have the money
the means
but they would not support a waring party
whatever group you can think off
this really really pissed hitler off
for he was born POOR…
a useless little artist who could not sell his paintin…
the Jews in russia also sufferred the same fates
after 2nd world war
those Jews who was liberated by the russians
were taken to russia
for stalin to pick on their scientific minds
brilliant scentists
1 may add
you think
who make the atomic bombs?
singpore tech inc?
and again their freedoms were monitored and abushed
somewhere in 1948
in america
the survivors of the holocaust who was whisked to america
for a new life
decided that in order for them to live peacefully
they have to go back to a country
in which they can proudly called home
as i said before
palestine also belong to the Jews
who did toiled/slaved for it
so its also theri GodDamned rights to come home
but UN already vito and santioned its a no no affairs…
the Jews were determined migrant
they gathered the best Jewish colonel who was an american Jew war veteran
don’t know his name
and start arrivin in the palestinian shores
which was guarded by the British army who was the socalled peacekeepr or whatever…
the British commander who was in charged was given the GREEN light to repel by force any boats landin of the socalled illegal migrants
but as a human being who also witness the horrible holocaust in austwich
didnt order fired or repel by force
they just let them passed thru
maybe moses did resurrect 1 more time
i don’t know
i was on leave or wasn’t ready with the 3rd eye…
from there onwards
the Jews had a hard time
farmings
and defendin a new country called home
the egyptian army
bein in superior in terms of men and weapons
think that
they can kicked out the socalled zionists…
were WRONG!!!
singapore ministers learnt THIS
don’t be too arrogant/booastFOOL….
after 6 days of heavy battle
between the overarmed egyptians against the tiny weakly armed Jews including woman and children
the epygtian army loss…
from than onwards
EVERY JEWS carried weapons includin the holy priest RABBI or whatever
in israel
nobody should be unarmed
you have to protect yourself
now you all know………………………
Jumbo,
so long they are in charge, so long you don’t ‘kachou”; so long you don’t seek secession; so long you don’t create an enclave and want autonomy and all these were never demanded from the majority rule. In Malaysia the Indian never think of secession ; the Chinese never demand autonomous rule. In those days the jews and the Christians never asked too and that is why there was peace because autonomous rule is never one of the goals ,which happens to be the most desired state every Muslim must strive for. The Muslims should thank the Jews and the Christians for not demanding part of the land although they were in great number. The land of Israel /Philistine before renamed as Palestine by the Romans has a long complicated history going all the way back to Abraham. This should not be taken as example that Muslims’ lands had been grabbed, divided , yes; grabbed no.
Jumbo, I think you have distorted by using the writings of others to justify your points.
Let me tell you , fortunately or unfortunately, Israel is important to the Christians not that it is a holy land but it was a land of the chosen people of God. Nothing must happen to that land of Zion. History has shown blood was shed to prevent from falling into the wrong hand. I am sure it will be too but that will be the final, the Armagedon .
108) ZIONISHERE on January 7th, 2009 7.14 pm
Perhaps you do know that Jews lived peacefully under the Muslim rule in Spain before it came under the Christian rule. The Muslims and Jews were given the choice of either to leave Spain or convert into Christianity. Most Muslims left Spain for Morocco. So did most Jews! They went to Muslim countries nearby and continued to practise Judaism. Till today their descendents are still living peacefully in Morocco and nearby Muslim countries.
The Jews who stayed in Spain converted and were called Convertoes, or the derogatory term Muranoes.
During WW2, Muslim countries supported the Allies and gave refuge to Jews persecuted by the Axis powers. There was no animosity the like of which we see today. It was only after the Balfour and the creation of Israel was there such unhappiness. Then came the first salvo of terrorism……..by the Zionist against the Palestinians…..which also included Christian and Jewish Palestinians!
They were driven out of their land of birth………..AND denied the right to return!
In Iran, there are parliamentary seats specially reserved for Jews.
Israel is actually NOT important to Christians, but Jerusalem is. It is the birthplace of Christ, and the site of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Jews returning to Israel, or rather Jerusalem, IS important to Christians. Why? You’ll be surprised when you find out!
>History has shown blood was shed to prevent from falling into the wrong hand. I >am sure it will be too but that will be the final, the Armagedon .
May I know what you mean by: “the wrong hand”?
Isn’t Armagedon……….or End of the World the ultimate `hope’ for the 3 religions? Sounds ironical, but why do we pray and do good? To be able to go to heaven. When can we do that? Only after the end of the world?
Gerald:
I disagree with your take on this issue. You can read on my arguments on the Israel-Gaza Conflict here. I am no sympathiser for the Palestinians because to me, the only solution they have is to give up on the idea of an independent Palestinian State and be absorbed completely into Israel. If not, their stubbornness will only be used as many countries with vested interest to manipulate tensions in the Middle East.