Israel's looming war in Gaza: Can Obama stop it before it starts?

Mr. Burston, In their eyes, I think you would have made a most appreciated adviser of Golda Meir and Moshe Dayan one day before the 1973 war. Actually some Israeli generals were warning the government about a coming war, but no one at the top was listening! Let's put the ball in your court now Mr. Burston. OK, we start to dialogue with Hamas, whose sworn central aim is to destroy Israel and replace it with an Islamic republic. We the Jews, worse than pigs, will suffer our deserved fate. The more militant in Hammas, suggest that the struggle should be continued now. More moderates, would prefer a Hudnah - IE: time out to build their military power before attacking Israel with renewed vigor. OK, we get the moderates on board. Good. What next?

Yes if he allow all the 4 billion dollars worth aid used for buy longer number Iron dome defense systoms

Unfortunately this conflict isn't just between the squatters, palestinian arabs and the terrorists on Israel land. Unfortunately, the world doesn't know what is going on as they are duped by biased and censored reporting. The land is Israel's. The bible states it. Forever, given by the creator of the universe, the God that holds your breath, clothes you, and watches over you, regardless of our worthiness. Obama is for the arabs. He is the first president that has total disregard for the people of the US, doing his own will, with his own agenda to destroy our sovereignty and destroy innocent children. Israel needs to make their bombs and missles count and quit trying to appease the world that is in utter darkness. Israel will divide their land and be judged, but so will the world for the pressure and hatred it spewed towards God's chosen people.

Dennis Kucinich would be far more likely to do that than Obama.

I disagree, Paul Freedman. Israel's occupation and settlers policies in and of West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem will not provide strategic security at all, nor will it help Israel's survival as a Jewish-majority independent, sovereign nation-state. Israel needs to pull its troops and settlers out of West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem...NOW, and allow the Palestinians their own independent, sovereign nation-state alongside Israel. Jerusalem should be an international city and a shared capitol between Israel and Palestine. That's how it's supposed to be.

A civilized and democratic country like the State of Israel should do all that is possible to get rid of terrorist groups like Hamas, this not only for the benefit of Israel but of the whole civilized world.

demonstrated his impotency in foreign policy. He can only threaten to withhold foreign aid to Israel, which he has done anyway through Mitchell, the clown. Israel must do whatever is necessary to its self defense and preservation. If you haven't figured it out by now, Obama is systematically destroying the U.S. and he will destroy Israel if permitted. The man is a Marxist ultra liberal and Americans have made a bad mistake in electing him. Obama's biggest threat is to U.S. security and economics.

Well, well, as you well know, your holly book many times talks about your god's fury, when he gets "upset" he kills by the thousand, be aware, you guys are pushing the envolope to the limit...

Hello Bradley, I have been meaning to send this URL onto you since you wrote the piece on --I refuse to be your enemy. I assume there are many like you in Israel--especially in the Refusers. Here is one such statement of conscience on this subject also which impressed many Americans when it was posted on US websites a few years ago and still holds a promise I imagine for many young Israelis. Perhaps you have seen it-if not feel you are in good company, anyway! Thanks for standing up and being counted also! There is nothing noble about fighting a defenseless people who only want to be free on their own land. Dutch http://www.hagada.org.il/eng/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=30

Obama is nothing more than a talking lame duck ! His address to the Iranian & his talk in Cairo proves him nothing more than miles away from any reality ! Israel must never let friends or foes dictate its future. What made Israel is Jewish Unity & Faith. That what Israel & the Jews needs & no more ! Shalom !

but your war mongers insatiable thirst for war against Gaza is insane. Especially, given the fact they are one step away from being pushed off the plank and the world's stage. I certainly hope someone knocks sense into them-be it Obama or anyone else before they take you all with them. Violence is a dead end...in more ways than one. Dutch

There is a 3 hour difference from Haiti, so that would've been at 6:53:09 Pacific Standard Time. There's the name Obama, the movie was American Gangster starring Denzel Washington and that was about Black Americans living in Harlem. Then there are the words "Food Riots" which brings up the country of Haiti first in line as a specific nation on the Google search bar. I posted here before I started watching the movie so that had to be between 5:30 and 7:00 PM. My recollection is that I then put the movie in the player at 7:00 PM. Then I posted here between 7:00 PM and 7:05 right after I saw the part with the guy handing out the Turkeys in Harlem but the post was censored. I'm not sure but that might have been something out of the ordinary. There's not too much of that going on lately in California except the nice weather.

I judge peoples trustworthiness as individuals, not by ethnicity, no more that I would contend Jews are untrustworthy. In this case, it's just you. You proved it by claiming Palestinians initiated air hijackings. That is a statement not just, "factually incorrect," its a blatant lie. And to point out a blatant lie is not "nitpicking." I did not mention, "Palestinian moral credibility," and have no idea what you are talking about, unless you can put it in perspective. I don't wish to talk about that, because I cannot trust your comments.

What time did I log that post on January 12th mentioning "food riots?" Look "Date-Time. Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 21:53:09 UTC; Tuesday, January 12, ... The January 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake occurred in the boundary region." Put the words "Food Riots" in your Google Search Bar. Which country is mentioned first? Specifically the Google Feature that gives you some suggested search terms when you input a couple of words. Just interesting.

It's a hard concept to get... Killing people in some cultures isn't really all that wrong... What is happening ( really ) is Israel gradually tightening screws on those cultures with stronger and stronger message, sounds approximately like this "keep it to own family, pretty please." If it wasn't for some politicians - turn - emperors we would be probably fighting a little more now, but there would be a lot less talk about how to divide this and that. Believe me, unless we get ahold of those emperors we will soon be fighting wars nobody expected to find even a few years ago. As far as Hamas, they are way better than anyone could expect. Even Hanyah looks like he is jogging regularly. Why is he keeping Gilad? May be Mr. Schalit knows some magical aerobic technique to whittle tummy out.

How do you figure? The next war with Gaza will start after a month or two of rockets from there into Israel. Whether more or less civilians get killed in such a war depends directly onto (1) how many civilians are trapped (or remain) in rooms from which Hamas gunmen shoot at oncoming Israelis. (2) the fact that Israel now realises, that contra to it's own alarmist inteligent services prior to CastLead, the Hamas are actually only a collection of amatures with ability very similar to Iraq's Sadam.

it's also the only possible way for israel to start believing /whatever, that another 'cast lead' /worse is avoidable. for one simple reason: there are very few alternatives just realistically speaking, unless hamas in some tiny way can signal to israel that a real peace (a lasting one) w/israel is possible - that they want it too. the alternative to that would be just to 'sell out' the territory to egypt &/ to the arab world in general, saying: "now you take over, we don't even care care that gaza ever existed." or, as the worst scenario: transfer of the population, after a war & re-occupation, which of course would be the absolutely worst alternative & the world would never accept it - which is why it's not realistic. actually no alternatives, as i said, are realistic. but hamas could still avoid that final clash. nobody, not even fatah are gonna help them w/that, & i hope they can do it, because time isn't gonna spare anybody here, & there would be israeli casualties too.

Just curious Ron, if you think the Palestinians are more "trustworthy" than my postings. You're quite the nitpicker - so I guess you simply don't mind the fact that Palestinians commit thousands of war crimes. Yes, suicide bombings, car bombings, rocketing civilians - they ain't "resistance" but war crimes. I didn't conclude that, Goldstone, Amnesty Intl and HRW did. Ok, so I was factually incorrect. So what? There is no such thing as "Palestinian moral credibility". Why don't we just talk about that instead.

The only reason for America to restrain Israel was to avoid an escalation of conflict in the Middle East that could drag in American forces. Events since 2001 have rendered this point moot. Americans have not kept Israel in check, so much as a balance of terror between Pals and Israelis.

What kind of war,the jews have trillions of dollars in war toys,the pals have stuff you get at home hardware.It has never been equal,if it was you wouldn't have an occupation.Just like the old cowboys and Indians.

1) Obama has no interest in Israel or Palestine (or dozens of other things). Who are you really addressing when you say "Obama"? American Jews? 2) Many young, including American Jews, are trending against Israel. A repeat of cast lead will cost Israel a lot, but it will cost Jews much more. Are Israeli leaders so smart they can afford advice from no-one? Ask any educated person outside Israel (any religion, any country). Why such a poor quality of leader in Israel?

"CJ Date it from day Arabs announced genocide of Jews in Israel" //?The Governments of the Arab States emphasise, on this occasion, what they have already declared before the London Conference and the United Nations, that the only solution of the Palestine problem is the establishment of a unitary Palestinian State, in accordance with democratic principles, whereby its inhabitants will enjoy complete equality before the law, [and whereby] minorities will be assured of all the guarantees recognised in democratic constitutional countries, and [whereby] the holy places will be preserved and the right of access thereto guaranteed.// "Plan Dalet was to defend the Yishuv from the upcoming war." Territories taken for strategic purposes during war are to be withdrawn from or legally annexed. Israel has done neither. I've asked this question thousands of times and NEVER been given a straight answer .. Which Sovereign Israeli territory have the Arab states attacked? Care to try..

To refresh when 0bama was elected (but before inauguration), India had told UK's David Miliband that UK and US had no role to play in Indo-Pakistan relations--0bama got the message "you kill a chicken to scare a monkey, the monkey WILL be scared". There is no role for 0bama in Muddle East whatsoever.

1. What Israel did last year was not a war, any more than a mugging is a fight. And if they do it again, it won't be a war either. 2. I was part of the Jewish contingent a couple of weeks ago at a pro-Gaza rally here in Toronto, one of a number all over the world. The only Jews opposing us were the Jewish Defense League. A local Jewish newspaper asked where was the rest of the Jewish community? (They actually said 'Israeli community'; they seem to think it is the same thing, which it's not.) Where were they? My guess is: home, not having the chutzpah to try to defend what Israel did in Gaza. What are you thinking?

WAR has a lot of legitimate purposes in HISTORY...the recent PC lefty liberal "humanitarian" aLL WAR IS AN ATROCITY garbage mantra is getting way too outdated... When bthe barbarians are at the gate-you must have the balls to fight them. When the Terrorists lobs their rockets or put chemical bombs in their nut-sacks-you gotta fight them. You lefty peaceniks don't get it-WAR is a part of life-always was and always willbe. THe will always be PUNKS to get rid of. There are always people wanting what you have..what-you are just going to give it to them? You pay taxes for armies-for a REASON -sometimes it is necessary to use what you pay for -if you don't-you'll be dead and I can't see how that helps humanity-the PUNKS will then just turn on each other.eventually NO HUMANS LEFT including lefty peacenik-so BEST GET THEM BEFORE THEY GET YOU... I choose EASTWOOD over Burston/Obama or Chamberlain...unless you prefer being tornapart by rocket shrapnel or made into dhimmi subservients.

They can do mechanised, mobile warfare, where tanks and aircraft achieve battlefield superiority. They have little training or experience in Fighting in Built-up Areas (Fibua), for which you need well trained professional troops. Watch the US Marines and Brits doing their CQB stuff in these Afghan villages, that is high-risk, high-valour and highly-effective. Up against insurgents in urban areas, who shoot and scoot, is no place for heavy direct or indirect firepower as in Cast Lead. It only kills civilians, commits war crimes and demolishes property, to minimal military advantage. But Israel does not have the training to do it any other way - and the politicians want a cheap victory without losses, even at the price of war crime charges. The primary target can never be the insurgents' arms dump or tunnels. They restock and rebuild a week later. The target can only be the enemy fighters and leaders - who the IDF won't fight too energetically. Defeat beckons.

What is it with Obama all the time?He is having trouble running he"s own country.He can"t do diddly squad! There will be war!Sooner or later.Not because i say so ,but because it is written.

Nothing much has changed from the elected government of Palestine. PS Plan Dalet was to defend the Yishuv from the upcoming war.If Israel wanted to chase the invading Arab armies they kicked out home they could have tasken the Litani river. So much for your regular greater Israel slogans PS were the Arab pogroms against defenceless Jews in Palestine also a result of the "occupation"?

That depends on what his teleprompter says...

....you're right, history does repeat itself. About a 65 % majority of Jews who voted in 2008 voted for Obama. Why ? Because Jews have been attracted to Socialistic-styled governments which in turn, persecute them. Yes, history does repeat itself ,indeed.

didnt anyone see his speech in oslo? some wars are necessary to achieve peace...some wars are just, moral. this one is. obama knows it ...BUT, he has to keep up his stupid charade to try to calm the arab street...appeasement never works... if anything, obama's lack of ability to tell the truth is accelerating war in the middle east. his cairo speech was like everything else he does...long on style, short on substance. he has not been to israel once since elected...and for someone billed as the healer, the bridge maker, unifier, racial healer, you would think he would come to israel, one of his most staunch allies, and make one of his grand speeches but this time on the falsehood of anti semtism and how israel is historically legitimate..where is he? GOLFING...

Enough said.

I agree with you.The fact is here..... Obama is sucking up to Congress Congress is sucking up to AIPAC+ Co. AIPAC+ is sucking up to Israeli right wing fanatics. Right wing fanatics are sucking up to expansive Zionism!

He needs to stop The Israel Lobby right here in the US. Stop The Lobby and only then can you stop Israel. Israel Lobby to Obama: Mess with Israel and you lose health care reform. Mess with Israel and you lose financial reform. Mess with Israel and you lose tens of million$$ of campaign contributions. Mess with Israel and America loses everything.

"Granted it has been a strained peace but since 1973--note that is 36 years--there has been no armed conflict" Uh huh.....Israel is no longer occupying Egyptian territory..could have a lot to do with it.

Cast Lead was never about killing fighters it was about destroying the smuggling infastructure and arms dumps and it worked. The only screw up was Olmert. The IDF commanders said give us another week and we can smash Hamas and clean house. Sadly Olmert put politics first - the election was approaching and Kadima were way behind in all the polls and every party had put their campaigning on hold during Cast Lead. Livni & Barak were desperate to wrap up this war and get back on the campaign trail so demanding nothing from Hamas Olmert unilaterally withdrew before the job was finished turning what was on its way to being a great victory into something that wasn't a victory but wasn't a failure. If Bibi has what it takes to go into Gaza and stick it out till the job is done 100% it will be a victory anything less is a failure and waste or lives & money. Israels prolems have been for a long time now we start out with the right tactics then politicians to get involved and screw it up

The object is to destroy Hamas. There can be no peace as long as Hamas survives, Hezbullah will not allow it.

The political system in Israel produces minority government after minority government. The current government is headed by those who came in second. 30% is a landslide in Israel. And the IDF is almost an independent branch of government, but unelected. There are lots of people in Israel who want and know how to attain peace. But the system is rigged against compromise among Israelis, let alone with adversaries. Once on the list, a politician is no longer responsible to people, only to those higher on the list. And each ministry can tell the PMO to take a flying leap; they have an independent constituency if its a coalition - which it always is, nowadays.

Good Luck!

None of us can know the exact scenario for the end of Israel but as long as Israel continues on the current path, the eventual end of Israel is a sure thing. You might be correct that the IDF has no will to suffer the massive deaths that would be needed to "defeat" Hamas, and this whole scenario will go on for an indefinite future. But the longer Gaza and the WB suffer, the more likely the end of Israel. It took the Jews almost 2000 years to return to Jerusalem, but I suspect that the Arabs will take back their land much sooner than that. There is a way to stop the future destruction of Israel but no one in Israel seems to have the will to do it, so as you suggest, the world will see periodic "minor" massacres in Gaza for a few more years. BTW - the censors dislike "doomsday" talk so this will probably not be published.

The IDF has no stomach for defeating and replacing the government in Gaza. All that is planned is another punitive raid, like Cast Lead I with maybe a little less damage to the UN buildings and more to US built and insured buildings. And maybe the seizure of the Philadelphi corridor. The GOI will then declare that the rest of Gaza is unoccupied but back under siege. And tanks will make sure to tear up any growing crops every 3 months or so. And the power and remaining water & sewer will go unrepaired until a cholera outbreak which will be blamed on Hamas. A few schools may be left standing and a field hospital will be set up just outside Sderot for the wounded civilians who can crawl there. And a big PR show will go on.

I hope he doesn't read the "clue" part.

You know how the USA Government would pay farmers not to produce certain things? I'm not sure how much of that still occurs but if it does, it's got to stop. They need to pay farmers to produce lots of food. Here's why. I don't think the Socialism is coming fast enough to keep up with the future. Bradley, I don't think they have a clue how to fix this economy. I'd say in about two years, American Cities could be looking at food riots. This isn't a psychic prediction. This is just something that I think President Obama can head off if his economists like Warren Buffett can move quickly enough. They need to get food ready for the people in the heavily urbanized areas ready for distribution and focus on ways that distributors won't become corrupt. If people don't have jobs and stores are closing this is like writing on the wall. Until we come up with some real solutions, Obama must be on top of this. And Bradley. Your security in Israel also depends on a stable American Socio/Econ.

Israel will never learn. they started the walk towards self destruction. settlers vs. government settlers vs. Palestinians Palestinians vs. settlers Palestinians vs. government you cooked a disastrous meal Israel. you will not see 100.

Obama has neither the political will nor the power to prevent another Gaza war. So, what happens AFTER Israel "magically" defeats Hamas? Hamas will **NOT** be replaced by a "moderate" government, but by an even more radicalized one. Also a defeat of Hamas might end the "moderate" government in Egypt! No one in Israel seems to be able to look at the big picture. Everyone is too focused on a few pitiful rockets. No one ever asks "What will happen to Israel in the next 25 years?" Unless Israelis start to look at the big picture, they just may find that Israel is not in the picture in the future.

Arabs dont want peace betwwn Israel and the Pal. Because of the tension it takes away the fact the Arab leaders are doing everythig that the Koran says is inmoral What about the secret bank accoubts?????? Wake up they cannot afford peace

And the Jewish Diaspora will not defend the indefensible. Maybe this is a good thing. One thing is certain, a lot more than thirteen Jews will die. Maybe thousands. Will something be learned? I doubt it. Salaam/Shalom

...that is why Hamas is working feverishly to reign in other factions and get them to stop reacting to Israel's provocations. If Hamas can succeed in doing so, Israel will no doubt ratchet it up even more. As we all know and has been pointed out, Israel needs a war, a real fair and just settlement is once again getting too close. So Israel will sacrifice yet more Palestinian lives just to hold onto the illegal colonies for a little while longer.

I have learned that your postings are not trustworthy, but often I am uncertain whether you are lying or actually dont know any better. But you have to look in your mirror, not I. Israel introduced the world airplane hijackings. Take notes. The first act of air piracy in the history of civil aviation was carried out by Israel, in Dec. 1954, when a civilian Syrian airliner was forced down in Tel Aviv and its passengers and crew held for days, despite international condemnation. In 1968, Israeli commandos blew up 13 civilian airliners at Beirut airport in Lebanon. The first deliberate shooting down of a civilian airliner was carried out by Israel, when a Libyan airliner was shot down by Israeli jet fighters over Sinai, in Feb. 1973, on the direct orders of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, killing all 107 of its passengers and the entire French crew.

What does Bradley Burston mean "before it starts" It started long ago! To think of the war in Gaza in 2010 as something new is disjointed thinking. But to answer the question, No! Obama cannot stop this war. However polished his rhetoric might be, his prosecuition of other wars in Asia give him the lie. That is where Netanyahu has him over a barrel.

"The looming war in Gaza: Can Obama stop it before it starts? * What does Bradley Burston mean "before it starts"? It started long ago! To think of the war in Gaza in 2010 as something new is disjointed thinking. But to answer the question, No! Obama cannot stop this war. However polished his rhetoric might be, his prosecuition of other wars in Asia give him the lie. That is where Netanyahu has him over a barrel.

Any people, black white christian muslim jew, has a right to fight back in the face of war and violence...Israel has laid seige on Gaza and the people have the right to resist... it's that simple. If it were happening to Jews I would say the same thing.

He would love it if Israel went into Gaza give it a few days we would have Obama making very public speeches THE UNITED STATES DEMANDS ISRAEL ENDS ITS HOSTILITY IN GAZA RIGHT NOW It will make him a real hero amongst the palestinians and islamic world. A US president who forced Israel to end a war. He would just love all the praise especially at a time when he continues to drop in the polls. It will also be great for his image as he attempts to say to the world I earned that Nobel Prize it wasn't awarded simply because my parents didn't name me George W Bush. It would probably his biggest chance to gain praise from the leftists, muslims and europeans and he can say look diplomacy works.

if the plan is to rid Gaza of Hamas--it is a good plan. Especially if massive aide and government building efforts replace the void--as opposed to occupation and settlements. Same in the West Bank--when the effort turns from protecting the occupation to builing government and returning the land to Palestineans--the world will be a lot more tolerant of Israeli policy. Now it is all about settlers and grabbing as much real estate as possible and calling it "fighting terror". Since when does fighting terror involve settlement?

Then why is talking peace with Hamas out of the question? For some it is too much to believe that Hamas is anything other than the Devil itself. Which is sadly what the Israeli Govt WANT YOU TO BELIEVE. Whether it's the PLO, Fatah or Hamas, all groups can be negotiated with. Except this is not what the Govt wants, Israel does not suffer from the occupation, they can easily steal futile land while keeping the Pals at bay. Any rocket attack serves their agenda well. Another war will only be bad for Israel's PR, it will not bring them anymore friends, but I don't think it will lose them any either. America seems bound to Israel for some bizarre reason

Let's go back to world warII. The world was shocked at the brutality against the Jews. But the Western powers didn't want them. France, England, US and Russia divvied up the world with Russia bullying Roosevelt and getting Eastern Europe. We should have fought them like Patton said but who knew. The Jews were a problem. They were dumped in Palestine. The Zionist movement started rolling. The terrorist Begin bombs King David Hotel but Churchill says ok. We give you a country. Unfortunately generations of Palestinians lived there. Divine right rules over any fairness or ethics.

the definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different outcome. And boy is Israel's insanity beginning to show.

Obama says publicly what his intentions are, and then does what every his handlers tell him to do. Who knows what his bosses want other than complete their new world order dictatorship. If he was to do right he would press for proper settlement of the crimes against humanity still missing from the last war on Gaza, as well as the daily suffering of the innocent people that are dominated, abused, and held imprisoned on land that is their own. Obama could do much to relieve the Palistinian suffering rather than continue helping Israel in financing even more weapons for Israel.

In the next war you will not have aircraft carriers unless you build them. Israel is now seen as evil in the world along with the UK and US for sticking with and supporting you. Go on your own in the immoral removal of the Palestinians. Say what you intend to do and back it up. The Likud party dosn't dance around facts. Sharon, Begin and Meir would know what needs done no matter how unpopular.

Invasion without occupation doesn't work. With occupation Israel can preserve strategic corridors and end economic embargoes.

Is that Obama does nothing but the revulsion felt by Planet Earth and the sanctions that would follow. Would have Netanyahu on his knees in the Oval Office beggig Obama to make it stop, Fact is Israel attacking Gaza in any great strength will bring worldwide sanctions. Supporting Israel is becoming a vote loser not a vote winner

It does seem to be heading to another confrontation. Peace talks are dismissed as Obama and Putin are seemingly letting it happen. Citrus groves on the south slopes and olive goves on the north all destroyed. Children women killed. It makes me sick. If Israel has the guts to finish it then unleash hell. The backlash will doom you as a state. There can be no winner. You are better than that Israel.

"the party perenially seeking the death/destruction of the other must be brought to realize that such is either 1) not possible, or 2) not desirable. " Brent misses the point! In the ME, death and destruction of the enemy may not be possible, but it is imminently desirable. Like the football season it comes, it goes, and it returns as inevitably as clockwork. Would you deprive these people of their raison d'etre?

According to http://www.theonion.com/content/node/39292 a "rogue Soviet republic" has supplied Gazans weapons in the past. Is Israel protected?

he would release Gilad Shalit unilaterally. This would be such a shock to the IDF and the Israeli populace left and right. It would put both Israeli groups into the proverbial rock and a hard place....enough to get worldwide opinion so strong for the Israelis to reciprocate......BIG TIME. But Meshal and the rest of Hamas are not smart men.

"If Obama can stop the terrorist missile attacks on Israel then there will be no war ... Maybe he has other priorities like the the wars he himself is waging in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere." Obama can no more stop the missile attacks on Israel than Israel can! He is too engaged, as you say, elsewhere. And Israel doesn't know how to fight an asymmetric war. As usual, she relies on ineffective technology and misses the mark. And the war goes on, and on, and on......

The UNSC is the only option available when there are no options available. Obama needs to put it's false teeth in and drop the US veto vote on Israel. Force Israel to withdraw to it's actual sovereign territories. Allow the Palestinians to form a sovereign state. The consequences will be tough on those who consecutive Israeli Governments has duped into settling on land that was never been a part of modern Israel. So be it.

"when will any of you behave like people proud of their country and rightly able to say it, " Maybe when their country does something to be proud of. Like a genuine effort toward peace. But Victory as a substitute for peace? More death and destruction? Another Cast Lead? Hypocrits who preach peace and practice war? Rabbis who confuse patriotism with Judaism? Doubtful.

Poor fellow, it's a pity you fail to recognize one simple fact, Arabs prefer to fight from the midst of their own civilian's, thinking it will afford them immunity from reprisals That tactic didn't work in Gaza & it didn't work in Lebanon Just as long as their fighters continue to INTENTIONALLY endanger their own civilians, civilians casualties will be the result As a matter of fact, Mr. Hahti Hamad, of Hamas was quite proud of the fact that they hide behind their civilian's, time to educate yourself, here's a link, maybe the facts will penetrate http://www.jihadwatch.org/2008/03/hamas-mp-we-used-women-and-children-as-human-shields.html BTW, when was the last time you were there to observe first hand?? I do so despise drug store cowboys and back seat drivers, talking thru their rearmost orifice

Firepower has worked in every world war to date. The difference however, is in the past the firepower did not stop until the enemy gave up. Each time a rocket is launched and Israel executes another military operation it damages its relation with the world. My advise is to go in once and stay in until the white flag rises. Israel needs to state that it is fighting a war not solely against terror but against Gaza. Stop being politically correct! If a rogue group in Cuba launched just one rocket into Florida there would be no Cuba left! The US wouldn't launch a war against the group it would launch a war against Cuba. Taliban in Afghanistan is the perfect example.

inherited Plan Dalet. "We cannot and will not tolerate that here in OUR land." Fine! Your land = //Letter From the Agent of the Provisional Government of Israel to the President of the United States, May 15, 1948 ?MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I have the honor to notify you that the state of Israel has been proclaimed as an independent republic within frontiers approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its Resolution of November 29, 1947, and that a provisional government has been charged to assume the rights and duties of government for preserving law and order within the boundaries of Israel, for defending the state against external aggression, and for discharging the obligations of Israel to the other nations of the world in accordance with international law. // http://tinyurl.com/yjgh5lj

To call it Gaza war is a bit over the top. You need two parties to call it a war. The correct term is probably "punitive expedition".

Burston doen't get it. Hamas is a thugocracy that relies on terror donations. It does not want to end that flow of money. If it wanted civilization it would have made the abandoned israeli farms productive. It is interesting that the left must keep appeaiong to obama and the arabs because most israelis already see that they are chronically blind.

I am baffled by the notion that it is somehow the responsibility of the US to stop rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel...more appropriately that question should be put to Benjamin Netanyahu and the citizens of Israel. Obama should realize by now that neither side is truly interested is peace when the status quo insures continued political viability and continued power. Hamas...the "democratically" elected government in Gaza uses its people to hide behind as soon as the shooting starts...the PA in the West Bank is historically almost totally inept...Israel says it supports a 2-state solution while continuing to build settlements, which in the absence of negotiated final borders...creep its borders ever eastward. If Obama doesn't want to play this game, I cannot really blame him...the security situation in the ME is not his job to fix. Obama should get serious about peace in the ME if and only if the counties in the ME demonstrate a willingness to talk and negotiate.

"he [Obama] is well aware that failing to support Israel for doing the same thing he is doing will bring the Congress down on his head " LOOL! Not just the Congress! For as long as the USA makes war anywhere, for whatever rationale, Obama is politically impotent to stop Israel from doing the same thing. So Netanyahu will continue to tag along on Obama's coattails, Lieberman to cry: Bark! Bark! and the EU to mutter: Peace! Peace!! Meanwhile, Israel's military efforts in 2010 will not be restricted to Gaza. They must be even more catastrophic than Cast Lead or Israel loses face - again.

"I`d like to see a few aircraft carriers parked next to the shores of Gaza to backhand the IDF. That`s where I`d vote my TAX DOLLARS!!" Good on yer!!

The Pals should drop the US as an honest broker and try and side with the Chinese and Russians. Don't the Chinese own half of America by now with all these loan guarantees. Let the Chinese flex some muscle for a change, and let the Pals make a smart choice for once and force the USA's hand. Everyone keeps saying how the US needs Israel's technology for weaponry, etc. I'd put my money with the Japanese and give them 3-billion a year to advance weapon technology...they are far more tech saavy than Israel.

Normally I do not agree with your over the top posts. However, the gracious president is no forlorn willowy fellow. He has all the Intel and NIE Reports on his Oval Office desk every morning. He consults with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. For he is your President. I do believe in the President of the great United States of America. For he is not ALONE. You forget about the Congress, Senate and Pentagon. May G-d bless the US and its men and women fighting terror in foreign lands. Hello Delta 41...With lots of thanks. We have a saying in Israel...Friar. Look it up. Good night from snowy Swiss Alps.

Smoke and mirrors. Hamas may want the complete destruction of the state of Israel, but at least they're honest about it. Israel privately wants the same of the Palestinian people and their actions only prove this. The Likud charter from 1999 as available on www.knesset.gov.il says: 'The Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza are the realization of Zionist values. Settlement of the land is a clear expression of the unassailable right of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel and constitutes an important asset in the defense of the vital interests of the State of Israel. The Likud will continue to strengthen and develop these communities and will prevent their uprooting... ... The Government of Israel flatly rejects the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river.' I'd like to see a few aircraft carriers parked next to the shores of Gaza to backhand the IDF. That's where I'd vote my TAX DOLLARS!!

Brad Burston simply omits the fact that the Palestinians have no moral credibility. In fact, the world simply ignores that lack due to excellent Palestinian media handlers. Palestinians have killed more Palestinians that the Israelis have. Palestinians are the ones who set the standard for international hijackings and terrorism. Al Qaeda didn't start international airplane hijackings, the Palestinians did. Al Qaeda didn't perfect suicide bombings to kill as many civilians as possible - the Palestinians did. Want to see some beautiful pictures of "Palestinian moral credibility" ? Go to Goolge images and plug in the words "Palestinian collaborator". Warning, the scenes of vicious inhumane brutality that the Palestinians commit against their own people will turn your stomach. There is no Palestinian partner for peace, only for a future war.

is an ignorant dreamer. Obama is a lame duck when it comes to the middle east due to his amateurish handling of the situation from the moment he took power. He's finished here.

When that would cause an end to settlement expansion, a policy Netanyahu promised his right wing crazies he would continue no matter what. He is beholden to the settlers and right wing Israel, some 90% I would guess. So beating the crap out of Gaza is the only option open ---in his brain. Problem is---the world is onto him. This stirring up the Palestinians is getting old amd post Cast lead---there is not much tolerance for Israel on main street ---Planet Earth.

Israel needs to provoke a major Hamas rocket barrage or allow a suicide bomber through first. It may well happen -- but the necessary pretext has yet to be established. Israel's working on that -- but it's still not there.

Obama, under fire in the US for his corrupt Chicago health care politicking, limp-wristed response to terrorism (whose resurgence most here believe he caused) and feckless foreign policy, is NOT going to "stop" any Israeli strikes at Gaza's rocketocracy. Stop Israel from responding savagely to repel rocket attacks on its towns? Not while he is desperately firing drone missiles at Yemen, Pakistan and Afgan for transgressions 10,000 from Amercan suburbs. Not that he's not a hypocrite, its a matter of his political survival - he is well aware that failing to support Israel for doing the same thing he is doing will bring the Congress down on his head, as he just learned from the domestic firestorm senile Mitchell's stupid crack about Israeli aid caused. This time Israel has no illusion of gaining international PR points for risky efforts at sparing Gaza civilians by using ground forces instead of pulverizing air power. There WAS a military solution to the Tamil Tigers. Works with Gaza too.

Cast Lead was militarily and politically HOPELESS. Israel killed maybe a couple of hundred fighters - not a fraction of 1% of Hamas's numbers - but a thousand civilians. It blitzed a civilian area and lost international credibility and support big style. Lest we forget, it is still facing war crime charges. A Cast Lead 2 will be no different or better. Israel will no more fight a house-to-house close quarter battle than Netanyahu will close illegal outposts, neither have the stomach for a real fight. So more bombs on civilians and water treatment plants, more war crimes charges, more international condemnation, but no better an outcome than last time. Israel needs to do a deal with Hamas, man to man, it's the only way. But as that would undermine its arrogant hubris and over-inflated self-importance, it isn't going to happen. Another war will at least give Obama an eye-opener about what this little M-E 'ally' is really like and focus minds on sorting Israel out once and for all.

"For world peace, it doesn't matter if Israel calls itself a regime or a just a terror organization it's a terrorist organization in every way, and we must deal with it and annihilate it"

The claim that Hamas "learned" from the last conflict, at least as stated in the article, is false. Hamas did not learn to respect Israel. Hamas did not learn to care about the Palestinian people. What Hamas learned was that if they can hold out long enough, the world will force the Israelis to stop and pull back. In other words, Hamas has learned that there is no existential threat to Hamas! No matter what they do, they learned that the world will prevent the extinction of Hamas. Only if and when Hamas feels the threat of extinction can you expect any change in behavior.

Israeli provocations in Gaza? The constant missile and mortar fire from Hamas would be provocation, if not just plain old acts of war.

It will be the thing that saves his life. block Gaza peace process by saying things to arabs that they lost because of their fault glorify the terror(freedom fighters for him). than War breaks thousands die. obama condemns israel stabs the ally and ''prove!!??'' he ''deserved!!?????'' nobel prise let europe forget US sins in many poor countries let those countries forget it and pretend to solve the pal problem but fail intentionally cycle continues... Everyone know If US didnt need there a crisis Pal's problem would be solved in they would have their country israel an other country. im sick of double faced US! with obama it became more hypocrite than ever! before at least they acted a bit more honest.

It will end up on Live Leak. Some nut will watch it. They will become radicalized. They will join Al-Qaeda or take matters into their own hands. Everybody will be in danger and the cycle will continue until there is no one left alive. Head for the nearest bunker Burston. War is something we have no control over.

seriously question at this point which side is THE PRIME cause 'terroist', Israels or Palestinians.

Noting will terminate the notion of peace negotiations faster than a war. That is probably why Israel's government started talking up a war in Gaza two months ago and started major provocations last month. A war every year keeps the peace negotiations at bay. A year from now 'Ketzar' Obama will be castrated by republican victories in the mid-term elections and totally unable to pursue peace in the mid-east. Another round of kicking the crap out of Gaza will do the job.

more of the left's drivel..all talk, no solutions. so bradley, you want o talk to hamas? what will you say? they want you dead...and nothing will stop them from trying...do you really think there is something that can be said that will change their course? that will make them recognize israel and become good neighbours? of course not bradley... the real crime here is that haaretz CONTINUES to let you and benn, and levy, write articles that just make them as an organization dedicated to journalisitic integrity look like a joke. when will any of you behave like people proud of their country and rightly able to say it, defend it and stop hiding behind the usual dumb ass line, that your proud and that's why you are left..dont you gfet it yet? the left is finished BECAUSE of the arabs ..they will NEVER stop trying to wipe out israel. wake up!

"Hamas took an incredible beating last time, that is why the rockets are now few. They understand the consequences of firing them". If that was the case, why would they re-stockpile? Think about it, don't be silly.

...is Obama supposed to pull all the strings and make Israel (or Hamas) jump to his bidding? The people of Israel would do better if they stopped waiting for a Knight in Shining Armor to appear and solve all their problems.

"Israel could offer to resurrect the 2008 truce by significantly alleviating its stranglehold embargo on the Strip. To decide to do that, however, Israel would also have to abandon its longtime belief in firepower as a lever to bend Gaza to its will." Please, for your next piece, Bradley Burston, explain to us how Israel can be made to understand that repeating a failed strategy and expecting it to work next time around is an unmistakable sign of mental sickness. You can't expect Israel to abandon its longtime belief in the persuasive properties of firepower until it does.

If Obama can stop the terrorist missile attacks on Israel then there will be no war. So far I have not seen him do or even say anything on that subject, not recently anyway. Maybe he has other priorities like the the wars he himself is waging in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

While peace would be preferable to another war or military action, peace cannot come as long as even one side in the conflict seeks the destruction of the other. Hamas has stated unequivocally, as has Fatah and even the Palestinian Authority, that their goal is the destruction of the Jewish State--the death of Israel. In that environment, the party perenially seeking the death/destruction of the other must be brought to realize that such is either 1) not possible, or 2) not desirable. Hamas is unconvinced of either at this point. It is noteworthy that Egypt once harbored similar attitudes as those of Hamas. But, after fighting Israel in 1948, 1956, 1967, and again in 1973 Anwar Sadat realized just how costly in terms of money, people, etc., those wars had been individually and cumulatively. At that point he sought peace since war was no longer a viable option. Granted it has been a strained peace but since 1973--note that is 36 years--there has been no armed conflict.

A very silly, silly article. Hamas took an incredible beating last time, that is why the rockets are now few. They understand the consequences of firing them. Hamas were on the verge of losing power last war, their ultimate nightmare. The article is a total overeaction, the world will criticize Israel in every war its in, whats new about that? It doesnt change anything. Obama's middle east policy will not collapse, the sky will not fall. A very spineless and silly article, far left rubbish.

Everything points to it ,giving sweeties to Hamas in exchange for "peace" ,how is it different from Chamberlain's tactics ? And Hamas is even more explicit as to its goals than the AH was.

Obama can easily stop it from happening. The real question is, will he? It is a matter of political will and the willingness to pay the price. I'm not sure the political will is there. And the price may be too high. But not stopping an Israeli invasion does not mean there would be unqualified support, especially if it is just another punitive raid to show 'em who's boss. That was what Summer Rains and Cast Lead I were.

Burston deludes himself with the belief that Israel will 'have to abandon its longtime belief in firepower as a lever to bend Gaza to its will' Does he think Israel has learned absolutely nothing from Operatiaon Cast Lead? If yes, then the man is in more trouble than he realizes. Seriously deluded!

look not to the west for help, certainly not eastward. look up my caring friend, and embrace the peace that HE only will give and can,...psst you must 1st seek, then ask! Those who are willing my see.

I'm usually (quietly) cheering you on Bradley, but I can't agree with you on this one. You might have noticed that the tensions have been rising because the Pals have commenced firing rockets and mortars from Gaza. I don't think it's a coincedence that the missles started landing just after Israel announced the successful development of the Iron Dome rocket defense system and it's pending deployment. Hamas knows that they need to use their rockets now before they loose their effectivness, plus they're frustrated because Bibi's not giving into their demands on the Shalit deal. Once again Hamas is misreading Israel, missles won't cause us to give in to their demands to release dangerous terrorists where they can do harm and we won't sit idelly by until Iron dome reduces the effectivness of their missle arsenal. I hope another war can be avoided, but to do so Hamas is going to have to stop firing missles at Israel!

Sure keep doing the same useless peace negotiations with the same result NOTHING. If Israelis had the stomach for it, they would force real negotiations.

The first Israeli onslaught wasn't a war and this won't be one either. It was an attack on a largely defenceless population, by a neighbour with every advantage, whether it be air, land or sea. Small arms together with some anti-tank rounds, do not constitute a defence. The cowardice of bombing from several thousand feet with no threat from below will be repeated at will and the World will watch with horror once again. Any remaining credibilty that Israel has will evaporate with every phosphorous bomb and fletchette shell delivered from miles away. This could be the final straw in World opinion and I sincerely hope some sanctions are brought to bear by the UNSC in the aftermath.

the conflict, Syria will feel obliged to suport Hizbollah and Lebanon, Iran will defend Syria, Arab states under the pressure of their public opinion will sent a massive military assistance including men in un uniformes, Israel, already a desastrous public opinin in the world, Us will be outspoken defending Israel, will send monetary and armament but think and think again befor sending a direct military in term of troupes. With soldiers, all over the Golf states any intervention will be endangering, don't mention economic and commercial lost globaly. Europe will be in same if not in deeper embarasement, I dont think their support to Israel will exceed a verbal and moral support. ISRAEL WILL FIND IT SELF IN A DEEP DEEP TROUBLE!!!! IF NATANYAHO IS CLEAVER, hE WOULD BE ADVISED TO CHANGE THE COURSE BEFORe IT'S TOO LATE. Yes JUST A FRIENDLY ADVISE,

Shooting missiles at Israeli civilian population centers. We cannot and will not tolerate that here in OUR land. If the Arabs can't live here in peace, then they cannot live here at all.