The doomsday weapon

Hello Gideon Levy, Yes, I agree it is terrible how the military establishment and the media play into peoples' fear about external threats instead of looking at cause and effect. As you mention the lifting of the siege and the rehabiliation of Gaza are but a few ways to re-duce the threat and in essence they could do more for the release of Shalit than hold it up. It's really very simply when one begins to look at things and seek peaceful solution.... Why should the benefits always fall on military side of the ledger with build up instead of the peaceful side which benefits peoples' peace of mind and security? That's twisted logic to me. Dutch

Hello Gideon Levy, Yes, I agree it is terrible how the military establishment and the media play into peoples' fear about external threats instead of looking at cause and effect. As you mention the lifting of the siege and the rehabiliation of Gaza are but a few ways to re-duce the threat and in essence they could do more for the release of Shalit than hold it up. It's really very simply when one begins to look at things and seek peaceful solution.... Why should the benefits always fall on military side of the ledger with build up instead of the peaceful side which benefits peoples' peace of mind and security? That's twisted logic to me. Dutch

Mr Leavy seems to insist the use of available force against an advesary is immoral. Consider a mosquito bites you, you ignore it, he comes again and bites you. This time you swat him with your hand, many times larger and more powerful. Is that what you would call immoral?

Or what Arab rejectionism of Israel's existence, both these factors being the major reason why we have so many wars here? Are you so blind that you can continually bash Israel for everything under the sun whilst continuing to ignore that there is another side to this conflict? Would we be at war today if in 1948 a partition agreement was formed with the Samoans? I suspect if our neighbors were the Samoans we would have had a mutual 60 years of peace and prosperity.

Has he never heard of Neville Chamberlain? Read his last paragraph, he is spelling out the details of an appeasement policy.

Wonderful analysis of our sorry situation. So so true and only the rightist war mongers or diaspora Jews who know no better would fail to understand.

Feiglin supporters are one of the problems in Israel today. Clinton is aware of the prejudice on both sides of the divide and has been mentioning it. You cannot deny or cover up what the world is made aware of in the press and I did read some stories on the World Vision website about Palestinians having their homes destroyed in Jerusalem. I am not talking about Pals using the media for propaganda purposes which is used to spread antisemitism like Gaza is being used in Turkey, but legitimate complaints the Pals may have. They can manipulate the press to win the terrorist war; I am mentioning legitimate complaints that could be addressed by Israel. Is Bibi following a fascist path? Racial supremacy ideals are wrong whoever holds them. Our enemies may have Nazi ideology; however, Jewish supremacy is an evil also.

...puts things plain and analyzes the recent moves of the Israeli government and army sharply! I read Haaretz every day, and Gideon, you're one of the reasons why I do so - and many of my friends as well! Keep up the good work, the truth deserves it.

"I have absolutely no problem with my government attacking Gaza after we were subjected to thousands of missiles." Some people on that side are saying the same thing.. "I dont mind if rockets are dropping on Israel after we've had our whole city bombarded and our children killed...etc". It does not make it ok! Yes i know what Hamas says but look at what Israel DOES. It has beseiged 1.5 million ppl and practically made it a prison out of it. If you throw dogs in a cage and keep poking them they will become vicious! and the occupation in the WB for over 40 years? the conditions ppl live in? lets see your child be born and raised in that environment and see how he turns out to be. The problem with ppl like you is you do not recognize the horror your country has imposed on a whole nation and you dont expect ppl reach that point of hatred? dont get me wrong, I am not condoning rocket attacks they are wrong just like what Israel does is wrong.

It should be abundantly clear to any sane Israeli that Cast Lead was a disaster and the repercussion were under estimated. It should sound a loud warning that to mount another attack similar will finish what little support Israel has and the backlash like Cast Lead will be far worse and more damaging to Israel......hear this....The World has grown sick and tired of Israels behaviour...it's obvious to a blind man.

What discusssion is there in Gaza about Hamas firing Qassams from peoples homes? They shut up or else. have you complained ?

and approved resolution to fight it in every possible way. I can't imaging Israeli journalist taking this kind of tackle sighting report as having any validity at all. I like Mr. Levy proud poise, but I think he leads our nation and public opinion astray of rockets that continue to fall on Israel to this day. The poise is devoid of meaning, like Elen Bezuhova of inner beauty, and thus even greater affront to everything good. It's unfortunate that people who take safety and well being of Israelis ( irrespective of ethnic background ) to heart are minority on the stage represented by UN body. However, it is the same minority who called out misdeeds of rulers of Sudan, Congo, and other tyrants who engage in our day and time in genocide and murder of ethnic minorities. It is a pity to see a Jewish man side with such a majority who rejects basic morals and ethics and embraces a rule of crowd and blood line, at the detriment of his countryman and the very country.

...a similar Palestinian self-introspective essay can be found in the souls and minds of most palestinian people!! . We don,t have the propaganda mashines of israel and their allied governments and institutions !!~. All what we aspire for is to get our freedom and live in peace and (prosperity) in our own free democratic palestine .

Gideon helps Israel destruction , he better leave this place as he sits on the brunch he is cutting off. He will be hailed by all Jwewish and Israel haters, as usual.

BOGEAD!

The Arabs announce their intensions to murder every single Jew. Then they whine when they fail. Keep it up and you will be facing a real Israeli leader like Moshe Feiglin. Then we will have peace one way or another.

That's the recipe. Exactly that. All our leaders and military experts have to do is tell us we are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. Whoever the unsavory type was, he had it right. It has worked every time. A big Israeli voice needs to boom above the din of fear-inducing rhetoric but apparently it's not journalists or film-makers - although heaven knows enough of them already pointed it out - who can turn it around. The fact remains there's one way that hasn't been tried. As Gideon Levy says: "the immediate lifting of the siege, the rehabilitation of Gaza, the release of Gilad Shalit at the stated price, an effort to bring Hamas into the peace process and an attempt to reach a long-term agreement with it. It's possible." We just need to dare.

Until this huge majority of Israelis that unquestioningly supports military action is swayed to consider alternatives, there is no hope for change. Since the IDF and its media enablers will never permit discussion of the alternatives, there is no hope.

I came across these words yesterday by chance when I was reading up on history. A nasty type, prosecuted for war crimes after WWII, once said: "Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." Are we going in circles all the time, never learning to stop biting our own tails? Frightening thought.

Adam, nobody really cares what you think of Israel. They are a sovereign country who, when attacked, MUST respond, like any other country. If Gaza civilians are wounded or killed, the blame must be laid at the doorstep of Hamas. They are an unrepentant bunch, who will put all their citizens in jeopardy, as long as they can attack Jews in Israel. If they kill 10 Jews, and know 1000 Gazans will die in the process, this is an equation that they find acceptable. And this is the bunch Gazans chose to lead them. So please don't fault Israel, it is Hamas who is getting their OWN citizens killed. Eight years of rockets, WHO would put up with it, Adam. Everything happening in Gaza, whatever suffering, is because of Hamas, NOT ISRAEL. If Israel gets rid of Hamas, I'm SURE many Gazans will cheer with joy, at least inside. Perhaps that can finally bring peace.

I am not laughing. I have close family living in both Gaza and Haifa, so don't assume you know me. And I would not dispute the fact that rocket attacks could mentally damage anyone. But you cannot in all seriousness compare your current personal situation with the situation of those people now under siege in Gaza. I am also certain that if Israel attacks a shattered Gaza again, world opinion is likely to turn even further against them. People have a habit of supporting the underdog, and no-one in their right mind could possibly give Israel that label in this conflict. They're more likely to give them their correct label, which many see as a bullying, oppressive and racist occupying force, who often appear to care little for anyone but themselves.

I'm sure you'll find several people up in Haifa who spent WWII in London and lived through a lot more than three weeks (read three years or more) of bombardment on a scale you've never seen. I'm sure that many of the children who lived through the blitz never got therapy at all. It is terrible to have to go through bombardments like you and your children did. I wish a speedy refuah shelema to you and your family. But the only real way to prevent such a thing happening again is to try wholeheartedly for peace. To dare to dare.

It is amazing, isn't it, that in spite of each side knowing that this is the only way and in spite of at least half of each side wishing for peace and calm more than anything else, we just don't seem to be able to make ourselves heard. Yes, haval al hazman. It's been much, much too long already. Salaam and shalom to you too Kameel Abu Hanna.

I have absolutely no problem with my government attacking Gaza after we were subjected to thousands of missiles. The opposite is the case I think that they didn't finish the job in Gaza and left Hamas in power. Hamas has openly stated that their goal is to physically destroy every Jew in Israel, they are not interested in a Palestinian state. As long as Hamas is still in power there will be more dead children on both sides.

I'm sorry about your child being in therapy and it is certainly no joke. But you see you answered your own question in a way. You said "I wonder how residents of London would react to the that kind of bombardment. Oh wait.... killing hundreds of thousands". So by that logic are you justifying Israels bombardments of Lebanon and Gaza? Because they killed hundreds of JUST CHILDREN. So imagine your child (x 437) being the victims of bombs. imagine their families and siblings and what they go through. Atleast you have the luxury of going to a professional and having your child get help. What do Gaza children have? Do you think THAT is a joke? or justified? If you point out to Adam that the UK and US went to unjustified war as a reaction to terrorist attacks then how are you not being hypocritical by not denouncing your own government? It doesn't matter what the pretexts are, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING can justify having that many children killed before they even know their nationality.

Sh wrote"As for the solution that has never been tried, it`s simple. Levy has laid out the beginning. Prisoner exchange, talking to the PA`s legally elected representatives.... all of them, and working with the majority on both sides that want two states at peace with each other and with Jerusalem as their shared capital." KA:Why on earth, not a lot of Israelis, in particular, and Palestinians as well probe this possibility. I know that a lot of Israelis want it as much, but then greed for more landgrab overcomes this urging need. Haval al azman -shalom/salam/peace

You're very brave living in London. My 3 young children and I were subject to a month of rocket bombardment by Hezbollah 3 years ago. 1 of my children is still receiving therapy. Do you think its some kind of joke. I wonder how residents of London would react to the that kind of bombardment. Oh wait I already know. In response to one terrorist attack the US and UK traveled halfway around the world to kill hundreds of thousands of innocent Afghans and Iraqis.

Hamas can threaten you all they like, but what can words do? Their pathetic rockets barely qualify as weapons. On the other hand, the world has seen the level of REAL destruction Israel is capable of. There is quite simply no comparison between Hamas/IDF in terms of scale of threat or military capability. Perhaps the arguments are one-sided because the situation itself is one-sided...most definately in Israel's favour.

That Israeli fear is a marketable commodity which produces massive returns that literally affect other countries whether they like it or not or whether it (the allegations) is true. This most vicious circle needs to be broken and it doesn't necessarily mean making immediate peace with its neighbours. It just means that the ME neighbours will then know that there is no need to build up defences/ammunition/weapons ASAP thus breaking the fear/arms market cycle.

After I have reas a few comments posted here, I still believe you are preaching into drsert, but please, do not stop, your voice is only one of the few sane voices that we can hear. Thank you

Perfectly described. We all know it by heart and yet with each recurrence the scriptwriters manage to communicate afresh that this time it's different. Frightened people fall for it every time. What you know is so much easier to take on board than what you don't know so the obvious medication never gets tried and the bouts of lunacy become more frequent. Think about it. We had a war in 2006 and another in 2008 and the frequency of lurid stories that prove we are the most endangered species on the planet is no longer spiraling by the week or the day but by the hour. As for the solution that has never been tried, it's simple. Levy has laid out the beginning. Prisoner exchange, talking to the PA's legally elected representatives.... all of them, and working with the majority on both sides that want two states at peace with each other and with Jerusalem as their shared capital.

Nothing is more frightening and powerful than self-introspection. The truth of the article is threatening many caught in several power-structures. But a crucial element is missing: Where can we find, read and contemplate a similar Palestinian self-introspective essay? What a quantum leap forward -for all of us- when we can connect both such collective soul confessions... Thanks, Gideon for daring to guide us through the unknown, and dark.

It sure beats saying they will recognise Israel as a seperate entity and live in peace in borders mutually agreed upon. Seriously do you care at all about Israelis living in missile range?Hamas had no hesitation in firing missiles by the thousands in the past.Why should the glorious heroic men of honor hesitate now? Hamas leaders will be safe.

Right Gideon what do we have in the last month; rockets fired at us both from Lebanon and Gaza, a ship packed with arms for Hizbollah intercepted and Iran once again threatening to annihilate us while the world does nothing. And this is all some imaginary scare tactic by the IDF?

...basically I'm just a country indian with problems of my own but you have a way of getting to facts and truth that few others can match. Thank you Gideon Levy. Thank you. If not for you it would be hard to decide what is left of hope.

The author imputes very obscure motivations to anything Israeli, while omitting any mention of Hamas annihilating declarations. This is a very distorted picture. WHY?