The Israeli Settler Movement Is Out of Control
I’m quick to condemn atrocities directed against Israel, but idiocy like this is equally deplorable. The settlers have proven to be just the sort of extremists that I routinely condemn on the Arab side. Ironic, but sad, that the ‘extremist’ Sharon now finds himself pitted against radical Israelis who resort to terroristic tactics. Sharon is correct to draw a hard line against the settlers; murder is murder, and terror is terror, and this sort of thing must stop.
Brutal piece in the Atlantic Monthly this month, by the way, that I may do a post about – it’s the cover story, and it’s about the disastrous ‘leadership’ of Arafat, including a very detailed look at the hundreds of millions he basically stole from foreign aid to the PA…
I’ve always been Israel’s biggest supporter. In fact, just the other day I was remarking about what a nice contrast is was to see the way the settlers were handling things (formed a peaceful demonstration, got permits from the city to cemonstrate in a lawful manner)as opposed to the Palistinians throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails, not to mention wearing explosive belts into crowded nightclubs and blowing themselves up. The greatest weapon the Israeli people have (at least with the Americans) is the moral high ground. I’m glad, though, the Israeli government is having the courage to go through with this pull-out. Sharon has shown himself to be one of the most inspiring and bravest leaders in the world today.
MegaP, minor disagreement; the Israeli terrorist was a member of the worst of the radical lots that was for driving out the Palis from the holy lands — not necessarily into the sea, but same diff nontheless. Otherwise, spot on.
Unlike the muslims the Israelis were quick to condemn the attack and the religious leaders who incite violence unconditionally, no ifs, ands or buts. If only more muslims would learn from that example, among others, like loving their children.
The Israelis are calling the Arabs bluff, giving the Pals the state they have said was their goal for decades. The result will be more violence against Israel in the near term and I don’t think that is a shock to Sharon or anyone else. Any accomodation can only be made through states powerful enough to control their own populace; the PA is far short of that and shows no prospect for improvement. Ultimately only another war will decide things. I sincerely hope the Israelis prevail because otherwise they will be murdered to the last child. Dennis, contrary to your assertion I don’t think you will find any “Zionist” organization that proposes to force the Pals into the sea, merely to resist the Arabs attempt to do same. Big diff.
No, Dennis, breath-holding would not be advisable…but I agree with you and Colin that Sharon has proven himself to be a most effective leader, and one who is quite willing to work against stereotype…
Agreed. What happened today was awful. There’s no doubt that there are some Zionists who are just as eager to see Palestinians pushed into the sea as there are Palestinians who want to see that fate fall on the Israelis.
Sharon really is having an “only Nixon can go to China” moment in this pullout. It wasn’t too long ago that people were screaming about how he was causing permanent damage to the “peace process” by building a wall between Israel and the West Bank and more or less settling the border question on his own. Now things seem quite a bit quieter in that part of the world. Will the peace process folks give him any credit? I won’t hold my breath…
Using the term “Zionist” was sloppy on my part, because that describes a pretty wide range of people, all of whom think Israel has a right to exist in some fashion. But there are some extremist settlers who clearly think there’s no place for non-Jews anywhere within the Biblical boundaries of Israel.
However, the percentage of Palestinians who can’t get it through their heads that the Israelis aren’t going anywhere is undoubtedly greater than the percentage of Israelis who can’t get it through their heads that the Palestinians aren’t going anywhere.