Further Thoughts on Gaza Withdrawal

Fire of Liberty

Last week I noted that Israel's withdrawal from Gaza will just embolden the terrorists to launch more and more attacks on Israel in an effort to force them to hand over more land until Israel is nothing. Now I'm still beholden to the argument that the terrorists are emboldened by such concessions but I've made a slight adjustment to my view on the whole withdrawal. After reading various pieces by Peter Worthington (see here) and David Frum (see here), not to mention a considerable amount of contemplation, I have to say that pulling out these 8,000 Israelis and the IDF soldiers who protected these settlers was actually a strategic masterpiece in disguise. By removing the settlers from the region the state of Israel has freed up a lot of assets to devote to the overall security of the country while leaving the Gaza Strip in the hands of the Palestinians to make either a devil's playground for murderers like Hamas or something resembling a state. No matter what, the Palestinians and the kleptocracies of the Middle East won't have Gaza to hold above Israel's head. Whatever might occur, at least Israel will be secure within its own borders and ready to deal with any threats that might come its way. I didn't like to see Israel forcing its own people out of their home while the PA didn't have to make and concessions on constraining terrorist activities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad but if it means Israel (One of three democracies in the Middle East (Turkey and Lebanon being the others)) can have a better foot to stand on in its fight against Islamic terrorism, so be it. Say what you will but Israel is probably one of best friends to have in the region.