What Does "proportional response" Mean?
Dear editor:
Over time nothing changes when it comes to condemning the State of Israel for defending itself. All you have to do is pick up a newspaper, listen to the TV news, or read the latest on the internet to find out how the world, especially the Arab world, blames that tiny, but effective state for doing what any country would or should do. It is so easy to pick on the Jewish state, which from its very first day of existence has faced oppression and attacks not only from Palestinians but also from many of its Arab neighboring countries, who have sworn to destroy Israel and “drive the Jews into the sea.” The Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip is not interested in a peaceful two state solution as envisioned by the world and the United Nations 60 years ago. Their only interest, with the support of Iran and Syria, is to destroy Israel, the only operating democracy and true friend the United States has in the region.
The key words that these quick critics use today are “disproportional response.” In other words, Israel is over-reacting and using its developed military superiority against a terrorist regime (Hamas) that weekly “only” sends hundreds of missiles into southern regions and cities of Israel. Only? When it is your home, your city or your loved one being killed, the word “only” doesn’t come into play. If someone is beating you over the head with a stick day after day for years and you warn them that if they don’t stop you will take whatever means necessary to make sure they don’t do it again, the word “only” is meaningless. What “proportional response” should Israel take? Should it stop destroying military targets, which sadly also injure and kill a percentage of civilians, or lob missiles that target only civilian centers without targeting as Hamas does? Is that the “proportional response” that the world is speaking about?
Let’s face facts. If Cuba started hurling small missiles at American population centers, or if Iran did the same to Russia, or North Korea started doing it to China, how proportional do you think the response would be? It would be absolutely and justifiably devastating. Would they do all in their power to destroy the foolish country that started the conflict? Would they close their border with them for purely defensive purposes? You better believe it. This is called defending oneself with all of your ability. It is not a game.
It is time for Hamas to realize this and find a way to live in peace with their neighbor (not an occupier for years.) And it is time for the rest of the world, including the Arab world, to stop the criticism and try to help find a solution to this long standing problem. Half a loaf is better than none and a two state solution living in peace is much better than death and destruction.
Over time nothing changes when it comes to condemning the State of Israel for defending itself. All you have to do is pick up a newspaper, listen to the TV news, or read the latest on the internet to find out how the world, especially the Arab world, blames that tiny, but effective state for doing what any country would or should do. It is so easy to pick on the Jewish state, which from its very first day of existence has faced oppression and attacks not only from Palestinians but also from many of its Arab neighboring countries, who have sworn to destroy Israel and “drive the Jews into the sea.” The Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip is not interested in a peaceful two state solution as envisioned by the world and the United Nations 60 years ago. Their only interest, with the support of Iran and Syria, is to destroy Israel, the only operating democracy and true friend the United States has in the region.
The key words that these quick critics use today are “disproportional response.” In other words, Israel is over-reacting and using its developed military superiority against a terrorist regime (Hamas) that weekly “only” sends hundreds of missiles into southern regions and cities of Israel. Only? When it is your home, your city or your loved one being killed, the word “only” doesn’t come into play. If someone is beating you over the head with a stick day after day for years and you warn them that if they don’t stop you will take whatever means necessary to make sure they don’t do it again, the word “only” is meaningless. What “proportional response” should Israel take? Should it stop destroying military targets, which sadly also injure and kill a percentage of civilians, or lob missiles that target only civilian centers without targeting as Hamas does? Is that the “proportional response” that the world is speaking about?
Let’s face facts. If Cuba started hurling small missiles at American population centers, or if Iran did the same to Russia, or North Korea started doing it to China, how proportional do you think the response would be? It would be absolutely and justifiably devastating. Would they do all in their power to destroy the foolish country that started the conflict? Would they close their border with them for purely defensive purposes? You better believe it. This is called defending oneself with all of your ability. It is not a game.
It is time for Hamas to realize this and find a way to live in peace with their neighbor (not an occupier for years.) And it is time for the rest of the world, including the Arab world, to stop the criticism and try to help find a solution to this long standing problem. Half a loaf is better than none and a two state solution living in peace is much better than death and destruction.
posted by Sam Schoolsky | 8:12 AM
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