A long-term policy aimed squarely at killing or capturing Hamas’s leaders, destroying arms caches and rocket factories, and cutting off supply and escape routes will not by itself destroy the group. But it can drive it out of government and cripple its ability to function as a fighting force. And this, in turn, could mean the return of Fatah, the closest thing Gaza has to a “legitimate” government…
Israel will also have to practice a more consistent policy of deterrence than it has so far done. One option: For every single rocket that falls randomly on Israeli soil, an Israeli missile will hit a carefully selected target in Gaza. Focusing the minds of Hamas on this type of “proportionality” is just the endgame that Israel needs.
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Vis-a-vis the reply to rocket attacks, how about going all Biblical – something about sevenfold increase …?
OldEnglish on January 6, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Enough with the stupid “proportionality” arguments. You’re dealing with insane people and international anti-Semites who will always cry foul anytime Israel defends itself. The goal should be to destroy the enemy and thereby stop the attacks. This bandaid approach does not work.
Blake on January 6, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Love the cartoon.
I seriously don’t understand all of this “Israel can’t topple Hamas garbage.
Why the heck not? Hamas is a bunch of punks with rockets. The US took down Saddam in a matter of weeks, and he actually had an army.
jimmy the notable on January 6, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Annihilation works.
Fletch54 on January 6, 2009 at 9:04 AM
As Principal Skinner said when accused of sexual harassment for brushing up against a woman:
In for a penny, in for a pound.
And he proceeded to make out with her.
The left, and the world community will condemn Israel either way, so why not get some serious business taken care of?
jimmy the notable on January 6, 2009 at 9:09 AM
If Israel does not make Hamas membership a capital crime subject to summary execution, then I agree that Israel cannot win.
platypus on January 6, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Land MUST be taken to institute the idea that attacks on Israel will actually cost the attackers something. Until Israel starts extracting the cost of land for any attacks on it, the arabs will never stop attacking.
progressoverpeace on January 6, 2009 at 9:12 AM
I’ve got a better idea. For every rocket they launch into Israel, Israel lobs back a nuke.
What do you mean too extreme?
madne0 on January 6, 2009 at 9:54 AM
How Israel can win?
Eliminate the top 3-5 layers of Hamas leadership, plus all Iranian agents in the area.
Remove or destroy all bomb and rocket making and any other heavy weapons in Gaza.
Move Fatah Palestinian leadership back into control of Gaza Palestinian population.
Invite Obama and Hillary over to meet with the Palestinian and Israeli leadership.
albill on January 6, 2009 at 10:32 AM