Was Israel's Gaza offensive worth it?

Why is it shameful for Israel to protect itself and its citizens? Over the years, Palestinian leadership and the leadership of countries that support and agree with them, have sworn that the annihilation of Israel is its top priority.

There is not one single time distortion in my post and nothing was made up. In your 1) you quoted me... that date must not be distorted. Your numbers 2,3, and 4 could not have been distorted because they werent mentioned, and, in fact, are irrelevant to the discussion. This may have challenged you, but my points were two: the blockade started before a Qassam rocket was fired into Israel in Feb 2002. The 2001 blockade you dismiss, actually started in Sept 2000 along with closure of Gaza airport. Immediate economic effect were losses in area of $5.3 billion. In Sept 2001 Israel established a buffer zone that sealed all entry and exit points. After 9 Oct 2001,movement of people and goods between Israel and Gaza was halted, and complete internal closure was effected 14 Nov 2001. Take notes, dates: blockade, 2000 & 2001, first rocket, Feb 2002. Simple. No false dates and nothing made up, you dummy. Anti-Israeli sentiments on this issue remain the same. Find a botched date?

Amazing that you do not know that war is not collective punishment. My "spewing" about collective punishment means, I presume, quoting the wording of article 33 of the 4th Geneva Convention. Your vocabulary handicap does not change the wording of the article, or the fact that violation of the article is a war crime.The Palestinian government did not declare war on Israel. As an occupied population it has no mechanism to proclaim a declaration of war that can be considered valid under any existing international law. Israel hasn't fought a war with Arab armed forces in 36 years, and has not experienced a suicide bombing in 5 years. Don't like to be castigated in the international community as a war criminal? don't commit the crime.

In our time the truth is very much down on the scale of preferences ! Israel must not keep judging itself. The time when countries judging themselves is long gone ! Politics is the art of yielding benefits !

Dear Norman, I wonder how you can have such comment, I believe that you are far from Israel and Gaza and all the conflict history. Have a nice day Mr Norman from Los angeles Many thnaks Mr Gideon Levy, the world still need people like you . Happy new year

For those who damn Hamas it must be remembered that had there been no brutal Israeli occupation with no chance of an ending there would be no Hamas. Hamas only came to be popular when the corrupt Arafat and the PLO could not deliver an end to occupation. Not until 1988, 21 years after the occupation and settlement building began was there a Hamas. If there is anyone to blame for Hamas and for the subsequent attacks by Hamas on Israel it is Israel and its refusal to end the occupation. While I don't like Hamas, to many people in Palestine they are freedom fighters whether or not Israelis or anyone outside of Israel likes it. When Israel gives Palestinians the freedom they deserve, gets lock, stock and barrel out of the territories Hamas will lose the power it has. Israeli actions only fuel Hamas's fire.

in the Qassam target area. Whose kids still suffer trauma for daily bombardments,the wounded,the dead,those who could not leave home because of the fatal risk. The attempted ethnic cleansing by Hamas remote controll failed. PS Gideon read your own newspaper the interviews with the victims of the bombings in Sderot and sorrounds are there for all to see. PPS "If you cut me do I not bleed"? Jews bleed as well as Arabs,an amazing blind spot amongst the intelligentsia

Yes Yona, Gaza does have a border with Egypt. But cowardly Egypt under orders from its patrons in the U.S. and from Israel have closed the borders and are ensuring more starvation and privation as they close the tunnels through which much of Gaza's food comes. Just like Israel, the Egyptian government doesn't give a damn about the suffering people of Gaza. Egypt and its corrupt president Mubarak know that if they were to open the gates of Gaza the AIPAC owned U.S. Congress would cut aid to Egypt faster than you could blink an eye. Egypt must obey its masters or face the consequences. Mubarak doesn't want to give up even one penny of U.S. tax dollars so he will betray his brethren and keep the gates closed while the people starve.

Ron, you're making this up as you go along. "Why does Levy blame Israel? Perhaps he knows that Israel placed a blockade on Gaza before any rockets were fired. Israel imposed the blockade in 2001, and the first Qassam rocket was fired into Israel in February 2002." Got all that wrong! 1) First Qassam fired into Israel in 2002. 2) Disengagement, 2005. 3) Hamas wins election, 2006. 4) Blockade, 2007. If you're talking about SOME restrictions which went into place in 2001, that was in response to wave upon wave of suicide bombers which began in 2000. I'll venture a guess. Even though you botched your dates, your irrational anti-Israeli sentiments will remain the same.

the "mono - national" or rather "ethnically cleansed from Jewish people" state is Gaza. The ethnic cleansing, by the way, was rarely mentioned, while many people either of Jewish, or of Arabic descent, who preached tolerance of Jewish neighbors were murdered between 2005 and 2008 in a systematic campaign led by Hamas.

Over Christmas I heard a BBC worldservice re- port from a centre (orphange )in Bethlehem for unwanted or abandoned Palestinian children. A women who arrived at the centre heavy with her soon to be delivered child reported the journey from her WB town took two days. She reported waiting at one checkpoint 6hrs alone. Do you know how dangerous this is for both the mother and her unborn child? Then, a staff member at the centre spoke of her despair about the childrens' lives (their well being & future )and she noted how Israel was casting "a shadow of darkness "over their lives. How absolutely immoral! Yet it fits with what the Israeli occupation has done to other Palestinian children as Dr. Alice Rothchild noted on her trip to Gaza in 2005 (see below) and now what is happening to the whole poulation in Gaza once again following Cast Lead They are being rebattered & retraumatized again and it has become immoral to go on supporting Israel. "A recent study by the program of 10- to 19-year-olds in Gaza found that two-thirds have seen a friend or neighbor killed or wounded, more than one-third have been tear-gassed and 82 percent suffer from moderate to severe PTSD. "http://ajjpboston.org/issues93.htm

it was worth it. the world doesn't care about Israeli children but their government does. http://israelagainstterror.blogspot.com/2009/12/year-after-gaza-war-forgotten-children_4030.html

It is truly rare for non-Jewish Australians to defend the State of Israel. Like the rest of the world Israel's reputation is of an overbearing, bullying, militaristic, trigger-happy government which thumbs it's nose at international law while it inflicts a disproportionate attack on a densely populated civilian area. This also irreperably harms its international reputation. Israel must get back on track. The cessation of the building of settlements would be the best possible start.

The world has not forgotten Gaza and we have not forgotten Israeli atrocities. The Gaza Massacre will be remembered forever as the turning point for the conflict. I personally cant tell what is worse from a moral standpoint; the murderous siege or the bombings a year ago. I hope people in Israel urgently support the 1,300 Gaza Freedom March activists trying to get into Gaza right now to nonviolently demonstrate the siege. And also to support nonviolent movements within Israel to bring freedom and peace to Israel and Palestine. http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/424/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1946

"I presume you mention Hamas, "and the people of Gaza," every time you mention Hamas, because you know that imposing collective punishment on a civilian population as Israel is in Gaza is a war crime" WAR is collective punishment. The Palestinian government declared war on Israel and even launched rockets at Israel for 7 years. Don't like the consequences of war? Don't start one.

It's easy to speak in such corrosive words. After all... Gideon Levy's keyboard has little computer memory. Very little recollection of Qassam - fire... most time increasing to multiples of 20 a day. Feeble as the barrage was... what nation can withstand that kind of assault. Should the Israelis have simply turned the other cheek... overlooked the test to it's sovereignty. That would have made the rocket fire disappear. After all, Hamas would have changed it's course... right. To say that force is necessary is not a call to war. It is a recognition of history and possibly... the limits of reason. And certainly... it's an understanding of the imperfection of us all.

It is hypocritical for the UN or any other world body to criticize Israel when they did nothing to prevent the war crimes committed by Gazans against Israel before Israel was forced to respond. Why doesnt Gideon Levy get it???

I presume you mention Hamas, "and the people of Gaza," every time you mention Hamas, because you know that imposing collective punishment on a civilian population as Israel is in Gaza is a war crime, article 33, 4th Geneva Convention. You hope the readers will hold the population of Gaza culpable if you mention it enough. It won't work. If you want to establish equivalency between Hamas and Israel about war crimes, you have. Bravo! Why does Levy blame Israel? Perhaps he knows that Israel placed a blockade on Gaza before any rockets were fired. Israel imposed the blockade in 2001, and the first Qassam rocket was fired into Israel in February 2002. Two cease fires were agreed upon and Hamas stopped firing rockets. Israeli broke both cease fires, and the rockets started again. There is a moratorium on rockets by Hamas in place now. But if the blockade continues, undoubtedly they will start again. No nation can hope to try to starve another population without retaliation.

You might be surprised that the world knows more about the conflict than you. You claim the Palestinians do not want a 2-state solution. You think they prefer to remain subjects of a harsh and humiliating occupation for eternity. Are you sure they would like to continue to have their land expropriated, and their crops and olive groves destroyed to build Israeli settlements on their land and roads leading to them that they can't use, for ever. In Gaza they would all prefer to have a near genocidal blockade imposed on them than have their own state? Do you Jews expect us to believe that? This problem would be easier to get a grip on if you Jews would stop your incessant lying about it. The Palestinians do not reject a Jewish state.Why do you lie about it? In 1993 the PLO recognized the "State of Israel" and changed its charter accordingly. In 2002 and 2007 the Arab League recognized the "State of Israel" in a peace offer. Israel didn't respond. This is how much the world understands.

Thank you Gideon for your honesty. What the Israeli military and politicians did and are doing to the Palestinian population in Gaza was and is a disgrace and criminal. Israel will be judged for its actions, if not by an International Court of Law, by public opnion around the World. And one day, the Palestinian people will be vindicated....it is just a a question of time.... The Zionist propaganda machine can only work for a period of time but not forever...the Truth will prevail as it always does ...until then Palestinian courage and resolve will keep the hope alive...

how does sderot look like now, is there still any demolished houses ? how does Gaza look like now, is there still any devastated homes ?

america gave ok and provided the aircraft and munitions the american congress will not look into goldstone report nor allow ground inspection by american experts.

now ghazza surrounded;but temporarily. never forget how you very short living israel how and by who your besieged§

Israel should have crushed Hamas once and for all,because sooner than later the IDF will have to go back into Gaza.

I'll be visiting Israel again soon. I'm sure my little grandchildren will be counting the days for the next 50yrs. Away and kiss the Blarney Stone. No more tonight.

i fully agree with tinkie from tel aviv and with gideon levy.

U.S. and Israel aren't the only nations that have White Phosphorus shells. Russia, China, and even Iran, also manufactures White Phosphorus munitions. They might even ended up in Hamas or Hezbollah's hands. Then "I'm dreaming of a White Phosphorus Christmas" will become a popular tune.

The Apocalypse is upon us!

so tell your friends at Hamas to amend their Charter and make peace with Israel

when you already know what the answer will be?

ok edifice. But should the world - mean humanity - need to be destroyed in the sole purpose or sake of Sderot ? Ok Judith. But your "Hamas-created battlefield called Gaza" is also one of the most densely peopled place in world.Ok Anon. But one need to be a "coward" to write the reality of the fact and as a reader to be enlightened by the true, even if its hard to digest.Ok SJAS. You are right. But beware of the "there is no alternative", it turns you in a politic of no return and blidness.

There never had been 1400 killed in Sderot. If you don't care about what the rest of the world(i,e EU AND USA) think, don't come whinning with what it is eventually to come. There is a price for everything so for brutality and for arrogance.

I think Israel needs brave writer like Mr.Gideon who betrays the brutal nature of the Zionist entity. And his voice must reach the Arab World because the majority there believe that all the Israelis are fanatics and blood thirsty and are indifferent to the sufferings of human beings other than Jews. Mr.levy, thank you for your sharp pen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's easy to speak in such corrosive words. After all... Gideon Levy's keyboard has little computer memory. Very little recollection of Qassam - fire... most time increasing to multiples of 20 a day. Feeble as the barrage was... what nation can withstand that kind of assault. Should the Israelis have simply turned the other cheek... overlooked the test to it's sovereignty. That would have made the rocket fire disappear. After all, Hamas would have changed it's course... right. To say that force is necessary is not a call to war. It is a recognition of history and possibly... the limits of reason. But certainly... it's an understanding of the imperfection of us all.

What is your idea on how stop stop rockets?

A lot of people conclude that since there have been no rockets since the assault, it was worth it. That is pure racism. Or were they too ignorant to understand what the article was about?

Yes, Gideon Levy is a true hero and he is absolutely right. When will the Israelis open their eyes, their mind and their heart?

"It was not enough to take their land and push them into refugee camps" You probably forgot this part, but the areas which came under Jewish control still had a large Arab population. The areas which came under Arab control were completely wiped clean of Jews. It was the Arabs who declared that war. "we had also to bomb them there." Consider this as well. If they weren't bombing Israel for 7 years with a huge escalation at the end, would Israel have bombed them? "It is not enough that they are under siege; we also prevent aid delivery and dare thinking to bomb them again!" Maybe they need to stop being aggressive. Are you also complaining about the withdrawal of settlers from Gaza as well? Providing them water and electricity? Why aren't they on their own yet? Why are their energies spent on waging war instead of building a society?

" It needs to start acting like a civilised democracy, where human fights for ALL and International law is upheld." That's nice. How do you lawfully fight an enemy which is fighting unlawfully? When an enemy stores its weapons in mosques, hospitals and schools, how do you fight? When they use ambulances to transport their forces, how do you fight? When they use UN vehicles for military operations, how do you fight? When they launch thousands of rockets into your country from their own civilian areas, how do you fight? Tell us about international law once Hamas puts on uniforms and fights military style instead of terrorist style.

There will be a Bi National State and blockheads like you with your unyielding support for Israell will be the reason. Oh well---never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. I wonder what they will call the next zionist project--think anyone will listen????.

Hate Israelis now. No amount of goodwill from Israel can change that. Israel can point to Hammas and blame it on everything else ( anti semitism) etc.. The reality is the damage is done by Israel and nobody else. Do not be surprised that the future fighters are those little terrified children that the mighty IDF terrorized lastb year. There will be a price to pay eventualy.Israel , think of what you are doing??? You cannot have peace , if nobody else has true peace also....

Reactions read here and there make me think Israel turned into a fascist state where the life of Palestinian civilians is just worth nothing. 1400 dead from the Gaza side, 13 from Israel, don't you see there that in no way you can justify such a massacre? Don't you understand that the world is turning against you, and don't tell you don't care... Gideon Levy is a true hero and patriot, he loves his country more than any of you war lovers and blood thirsty persons... You just can't keep going on like that... Israel is losing its allies and soon your representatives will have to face their decisions in front of some courts, in the UK or elsewhere, be sure it's going to happen sooner or later...

It was not enough to take their land and push them into refugee camps, we had also to bomb them there. It is not enough that they are under siege; we also prevent aid delivery and dare thinking to bomb them again!

You say you were a fervent supporter of Israel for many years. When were those years and was it when Israel was weak without means of defending itself. I think that is the romantic notion, actually loving the sufferings of the poor Jews.

The figures are from the Arab press, including hamas (who claimed victory). There is no so called soul searching necessary when Israel protects its citizens and kills its tormentors-None! Since Cast Leads success Gideon Levy publishes at least an artical per week lamenting this very success. He has gotten nowhere, not in Israel, the US, Europe, Jimmy Carter, State Dept....Nowhere. Given the turnout of the so called victory parade called for by hamas marking the one year anniversary it is the people of Gaza doing the soul searching-rightfully so. If hamas really wants cement and glass they know what they have to do to get it, launching rockets is not going to lift the blockade, contrary to Gideon Levy.

Great article, as always. I hope you can pass along a message for me to everyone in that part of the world. I intend to come to the Holy Land sometime in the spring of next year. I'm just an ordinary guy, without any military "weapons," except for some wit and charm, and some educational, linguistic and life experiences. Anyway, I intend to travel to Israel, the West Bank AND Gaza while I am there. All should know that I have ABSOLUTELY no fear of the clowns in the Israeli govt, the Pal. Authority, the so-called IDF military "leaders," and if they want to continue to delude themselves to believe that the violent hell that they have unleashed on that part of the world for far too long will continue indefinitely, then they will have to look straight at the "EYES" of the person they claim to have named their country after (Hint: "Jacob Israel" and ?Muhammad al-Mahdi? :) ) and explain themselves. It should be fun to watch them squirm. Hopefully you all over there can do something about "taming the beast? inside them before they see the ?wolf? leading the pack with their own eyes. ☺

You're seriously confused if you think the Powell doctrine justifies brutality against civilians. Also, a point on hypocrisy; many argue that no genocide can be compared to the holocaust because the holocaust, proportionally, is far worse. Well, the bombing of Gaza, proportionally, was far worse than the bombing on Sderot. To argue proportionality between the two is stupid.

All I hear about from Israel is how Palestinians deserve the violence that happens to them on a daily basis. I was beginning to get scared that Israel had descended into a state of barbarity, that anyone could justify blowing up flour factories, hospitals and hundreds of "gentiles" to protect the life of a single Jewish person.

You are wrong. I was a fervent supporter of Israel for many, many years. I, like many others, can no longer support what Israel has become. To read the talkbacks here, where murder of children, theft and racism is applauded and even more slaughter called for, only strengthens my feeling that Israel need to be brought to heel. It needs to start acting like a civilised democracy, where human fights for ALL and International law is upheld. Until then I will do my utmost to make sure that , like South Africa, sanctions are applied and Israel is treated like the brutal apartheid state it has become.

Israels reputation in the world is on decline. The never-ending mantra: »Everybody argueing against Israel is an anti-zionist or an anti-semitic« soon might lose any reason and credibility. That mantra is about to sound ridiculous. One day Israel will face the fact that among those talkbacks, begging Israel for better understanding of human needs of its neighbours there might be talkbacks of real anti-semitics. Then there might be no way to escape those talkbacks and the bad reputation Israel is about to worsen.

They will be abandoned as a people no matter how much Obama pledges American support. It's not the will of the people anymore to prop up this greed driven state . It's too bad they will be the victims of their government's wrong doing in the end , also. But they should have spoken up and opposed the occupation and the settlers and their government's military action. They will pay the price now and no one will rescue them this time....Dutch

Israel showed its ugliest side in the Gaza offensive and Levy is quite right to note that the World saw it as well. Talk about collective punishment! Israel inflicted still untold damage of thousands--nay--a million innocent people for the aggression of a few who dared to fire rockets from northern Gaza. Israel should well fear a just God.

If for no other reason the offensive was worth it. Ask the people who live in the area what they think. My guess is they would agree.

Why do I read Gideon Levy when he always drives me crazy? Probably it is for the reassurance that he is consistently wrong. The fact that casualties were 100:1 underscores the surgical precision of the IDF fighting in urban areas. Hamas emerged from Cast Lead as an ineffectual fighting force; they did not succeed in kidnapping additional Israeli soldiers, and 'friendly fire' casualties were greater than Hamas was able to inflict! As far as the unfortunate folks in Gaza, let's not forget they elected a terrorist organization as their government unlike the Taliban take-over in Afghanistan, for instance. Propaganda salvos such as the Goldstone Report are direct response to the efficacy of this operation; the greater the propaganda battle, the greater the victory that fostered it (same as with the security barrier). The only legitimate question at this point was not 'was it worth it' as the response is obvious - but when comes Cast Lead II.

whether you agree with the villification of Israel in the International Community, and the sight of it's political leaders scurrying around avoiding arrest warrants for war crimes. For the people of Sderot Cast Lead was worth it. For normal decent Israeli and Jews in the diaspora, Operation Cast Lead was an exercise in mass murder. An attempt to eradicate a people because and only because of their religion.

I prefer my question to Gideon Levy's and the answer is no. There was no Gaza offensive.There was a defensive action to deter Hamas's unprovoked aggression against Israel,and now Hamas understands the score and the people of Gaza understand what Hamas have brought on them. It most definitely was worth it and may yet achieve its ends. THREE CHEERS FOR ISRAEL!!!

Say what you will in justification but, Gaza is looking more and more like one big, slow gas chamber.

The world basically wouldn't change it's opinion no matter what Israel did or did not do. Especially the Europeans who have transfered their historical and ingrained outright anti jewish rhetoric to it being anti-Israel or anti-Zionist. Where were the Europeans when Hamas was firing rockets at Sderot and Israel did NOT enter Gaza ? Not a word. Am sorry you feel ashamed to be Israeli Gideon. Maybe you should not be living there but maybe join the Israelis in London who have politicized British law for their own purposes.

It accomplished nothing in terms of security. It demonstrated a severe military over reaction. It was a violation of the tenets of our faith. It undermined peace efforts. It destroyed Israel's image of taking the high moral ground.

Mariska: Israel one thousand years from now. I rejoice in that you have such confidence in Israel's future.

1. less rockets on sderot, happy israeli continue to live in a fantasy world. 2.libanon, gaza, settlers in WB,..goldstone denial.. Injustice cannot be defended. World opinion is getting darker on israel and it's values. No need to shoot rockets anymore. Israel is slowly falling into it's own trap. The reflexion on Gaza is painful but necessary for Israel to wake up to reality, to be really courageous and help rebuild Gaza,and with it, the israel of moral values.

For those who think that Israel has lost all of its humanity and ALL its citizens have become savages, they should read the moral outrage shown in the writings of Gideon Levy, Amira Hass, Shlomo Avineri, Akiva Eldar, and many others. Mr Levy, your article is the best way to summarize the anniversary of the Gaza massacre (which is unfortunately called "the Gaza War").

It was worth it for Israel to use the powerful IDF against an enemy without a state, an enemy whose state was occupied. IDF soldiers must be really proud that their armor, navy and airforce beat a helpless population without armor, naby and airforce! Israel's strategy was simple - Maximum land with minimum palestinians....minimum land with mazimum palestinians. Wonder if 1,000 years from now, would israel's children be proud of what their powerful military anhiliated an army without a state that lived in refugee camps? This is state apartheid supported in blood money by the puppet US of America!

Could you imagine if Gaza ofensive was not done what would be todays situation in Israel? Lets review before Gaza operation. They were sending 120 rockets daily. How many rockets daily would they send if not done this offensive. 2 years ago they were sending half of them. The whole south including Ashkelon would be in the range of this improved capability rockets made by Palies. Before Gaza operation the quarter of Israel's population was living in the shelters, if it was not done today half of the population would be in the shelters. If it was not done a year ago sooner or later Israel must have to do this operation. If today was done the cost for Israel would be much more then a year ago. Gideon could you answer this questions? Aby

The two unnecessary wars that Kadima lost ought to be weighing very heavily on the consciences of Left Wing journalists across Israel who brought those losers to power. End of ideology indeed. YOU!

Gideon Bbefore reading your text, I wandered about your arguments. As long as kassans were falling over Israel and jewish blood were being poured out, you were quiet. Your are a traitor trying to build up shame and fault on the israelis minds. It's subtle. Israel acted correctly because today are no daily kassans over our schools, kindergardens and houses.

Gideon is perfectly right and brave to speak the truth in the face of extremists who ignore human rights and international law. When a 8 years old kid in 1947 I already heard from my father who had been fighting in Palestine in 1942-44 while my uncle was wounded near Beersheva that it was improper for a human being to deprive other human beings from their legitimate belongings. Israël has been created by international law and is legitimate inside the boundaries then defined, not anywhere else. Going on denying that drives to nowhere except chaos.

real vision, if you think more people need to be killed, why don`t you leave the USA and join the "most moral army in the world" ? I`m sure they`d be glad to have you on board. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thank you Mr. Levy, great article. Sadly, peace seems unlikely with so many warmongers around. Still good to see at least a few sane people with a concience......

Thank you, Gideon. You are the ONLY moral compass in Israel!!!

This morning I have seen 11 TV stations, including 3 in the US report on the anniversary of the slaughter in Gaza. Believe me, Israel and her apologists do not look good. Many of you here have obviously never seen the footage that was shown to the rest of the world. You come across as callous and selfish. You are not doing yourselves or Israel any favours.

but what about the future? how many people has it turned to Hamas, how many future bombers has it created? 300 dead children was a high price for 'security' I don't feel anymore secure to be honest..I think special forces would have been a better tactic against the rocket squads but it's not my kid (yet) that would have to do it..

Doctrine is also: 4. Have all other non-violent policy means been fully exhausted? Or "As Powell said in an April 1, 2009 interview on The Rachel Maddow Show, the Doctrine denotes the exhausting of all "political, economic, and diplomatic means," which, only if those means prove to be futile, should a nation resort to military force." It is a well-known fact that it was Israel who broke the "truce-accord" with Hamas, isn't is?

Mr Levy! To quote Ben Gurion; לא חשוב מה יאמרו הגוים, חשוב מה יעשו היהודים

Lets talk about Cast Lead 2 as Cast Lead 1 is passed and no longer relevant to the current situation. We need to rid Hamas from Gaza and establish law and order in Gaza for the Gazan people and stability on our borders.

No matter how you look at it Gidon, its time you left tel aviv and medinat gush dan and start to understand life on the southern borders of Israel. I do not expect america or europe to understand the meaning of 8 years of fear of 8 years of kids not being able to leave their house, but i do expect an Israeli to recognise that it is the govt responsibilty to protect our citzens freedom from attack is a basic right for our children. To call the suffering of Israelis, propoganda simply shows a lack of basic human concern based on a simplistic equation of weak versus strong. Oh by the way I was in Sderot on a weekly basis during the period prior to cast lead and after and Gidon life has changed. This is not a defense of the political decisions but rather a statement of fact.

don't shy away from your Nobel prize Sir, "I did not prepare the world to know of Sderot" while the town was rocketed for 8 long years? Not much changed since... while some work to make Israel exist, Levy is working on her undoing in our memory. Who makes him and his sponsors fail?

Of course it was a failure. If the Leftists allowed it to go to completion there would be peace.

Even though you like to complain about the inhumanity of the action in Gaza, you still haven't once given a viable alternative to what the IDF did in Gaza to stop missles from falling on Israeli citizens.

The ironic conjunction of dates, 27 December with Asara BeTevet, is missing another asara, that of the month of Muharram. Today is a fast day also for Muslims and arguably the most important date in the Shi'ite calendar, Ashura. Dramas are being played out in Iran and elsewhere today not only within the political establishment but crucially, from the heart of the people. The people sometimes wake up from their apathy. When they do there is no knowing how things will play out, especially when there are no discernible leaders to replace those who disappoint their electorate. Our political establishment here in Israel will lose its grip on the reins if it does not take the inevitable, difficult decisions that must be taken, while they still hold them. The people are tired of war, Mr. Netanyahu.

Our government and leaders consist of a bunch of Mafioso, Greedy and Macho war-mongers. Promoting conflict in order to profit... disgusting. I love Israel, but do not like what happened here since Rabin was assasinated (by the bunch ruling our country now, obviously)

As far as I remember, the Gaza terrorists were launching quassams and mortar at Israel on a daily basis.

That's a strange question. Sort of like asking if it was worth it after accidentally driving one's car into a ditch. After all, if we can skip all the retrospective falsification of history, it's clear there was not one gain of any kind realized from 'Cast Lead.' In real terms, it was the worst defeat Israel ever suffered. It was an even worse setback than the 2006 invasion of Lebanon.

15, 14, Levy: Why do you write such articles, of course it was worth it 10,9,8 And even more should have been done 5,4 You constantly write articles that undermine the defense of your fellow citizens 3,2,1, BOOM ! ! Are you still sitting at your computer, Levy ?? These Code Reds have thankfully been eliminated. What was your question again, Levy ??

Shame because Israel withdrew from Gaza? Shame for waiting 6 years to respond? Shame because the response was "successful"? Shame because the world hates Israel even more now? Shame because Israelis mostly did not protest? Shame because more Hamas were killed than Israelis? Shame because instead of building up Hamas instilled hate? Shame because Egypt doesn't want to admit its border is also closed to Hamas and the world goes along with the charade? Shame because no other country in the world would accept rockets raining down on one of its cities for over 6 years? There are lessons to be learned but shame for responding to end the rockets is not one of them.

The question of whether the IDF could have achieved its objective without the cost of so many civilian deaths remains unanswered. Perhaps the price would have been a few more days of warfare or the increased use of "smart weapons". If Israel wishes to wean away the support of the citizens of Gaza from Hamas, then short term "efficiency" was employed without regard to the ultimate goal. I suspect that the the present not incredibly intelligent political leadership had more than a small share in the tactical planning of the compaign.

Ask my children...

Gideon Levy is a wiseman who fears god..trust me that on the judment day we all will be asked about our actions..i keep wondering honestly how come the israealis when they know the right thing to solve the problem they dont do that. and what about those soldiers who killed many children in gasa uselessly, dont they feel guilty and ashamed of doing so. do they really believe they are doing the right thing or simply they are carrying out orders of those who careless about humans..i wish that we all think twice about our actions, because on that day regrets will benefit no one. we all should listen to Gideon Levy atleast he is advising us for our own good. thanks and god bless

To anonymous who lives in an anonymous State in the USA. Gideon Levy is fully capable of defending himself, but as someone who lives on a kibbutz which was rocketed numerous times, I am going to allow myself the pleasure of noting that you address you objectionable remarks to a man who has the courage to sign his name under that which he has written; obviously, you do not. Do you live in Sderot? Are you doubly a coward?

In the event of real reconciliation and acceptance by Palestinians of Jews together with a willingness to share with Jews, I believe changes on the ground in Gaza could have been made to the benefit of both sides. The unilateral withdrawal by Israel from Gaza was a mistake because as long as such an agreement was not in place, these heroic Jews where acting as a buffer for the rest of Israel. Not only were they the primary recipients of Hamas terror, but they allowed the security agencies to have a foothold on the ground. Subsequent to the Gaza withdrawal, Israel's intelligence gathering capabilities were badly hit resulting in the buildup in tensions that allowed the amount of rockets to be fired at Sderot and then forced Israel's hand in commencing the offensive. The short sighted action in Gaza, the premature leaving of Gaza, was not worth it. Gideon Levy's question is therefor hollow and is typical of many who ignore history and the facts.

Israel had every right to defend its citizens from Hamas aggression. Hamas paid a very painful price. It knows that rocketing Israel is liable to undermine the basis of its rule of Gaza. The only reason there is calm now is because Israel used military force to stop terror. That and not a piece of paper has prevented a deterioration of the situation. Gazans understand they will have calm as long as they refrain from lifting a hand against Sderot. Gideon Levy of all people should know Israel sent the right message to its enemy.

It did not bring down the Hamas government, it may be even made it stronger,did not bring back Shalit,turned world's public opinios against Israel,,made Israel realize even being the strongest force in the Middle east does not gaurantee they can win a war agianst people with primitive weapons.Had no choice but to accept a cease fire.

wait until you see the world-wide demonstrations to take place tomorrow.Gaza has not been forgotten.this is Israel's shame.

Mark - to quote Wikipedia "Powell has expanded upon the Doctrine, asserting that when a nation is engaging in war, every resource and tool should be used to achieve decisive force against the enemy, minimizing US casualties and ending the conflict quickly by forcing the weaker force to capitulate." Says nothing about removing the government, just like Saddam wasn't removed. Also recall the Highway of Death in the first Iraq war. The schools and hospital were targeted as Hamas was using them as military installation - you can't have it both ways. Believe me, I don't like to see any children hurt or much less killed. But responsibility is on Hamas not the IDF.

A school classified as such only as long as is used as a place of learning, that is not the learning the art of killing and launching deadly fire.Hospitals are places of healing, right ? But you knew this didn't you ?

Mr.Gideon Levy, i'm proud of you more than my English language can express. I'm a citizen from Jabalia camp in Gaza,this is my first time to to see an Israeli telling the truth.I believe you deserve the Nobel prize for saying these truthful words,butnot the passive observer and listener Obama. keep on Levy,i believe you can be the best peace promoter in israel. Again,i'm proud of you. Ahmed

Cynic, you are asking the wrong questions. Israel's intent was to stop the rocket attacks from Gaza. It worked ! No rockets - no war - no loss of life. The blame for all the loss of life on both sides must clearly be placed on Hamas and the people of Gaza who support Hamas and must share the blame for their losses.

Excellent article by Gideon as usual. As to the offensive in Gaza. If the Israeli intent was to win the hearts and minds of the Palestinians, then I think that's a no. If the Israeli intent was to win the hearts and minds of the rest of the world, then that's also a no - as evidenced by the increasing alienation of Israel and the Goldstone report!

10,000 rockets from gaza onto Israel in 6 years. Israel had every right to beat the crap out of gaza and gaza was fortunate that any living thing still exists there. Next time will be total destruction and the gazans who survive will leave for other arab countries

Mr. Levy is well aware that Hamas and the people of Gaza committed war crimes and crimes against humanity by the incessant rocket attacks aimed against the civilian population in southern Israel. Thousands of rockets were deliberately launched from Gaza against Israeli civilians. Even the highly biased Goldstone report acknowledged this and accused Hamas and the people of Gaza of war crimes and crimes aginst humanity. Israels war was a defensive war, a war of last resort after years of rocket terror originating in Gaza. Gideon Levy knows this all very well. Why does Mr. Levy blame Israel ? Every reader should ask that question. Mr. Levy is no fool and he is not ignorant, but he clearly has an agenda. We sould all ask him what it is. War is awful and always deumanizing, yet at times there is no alternative. Ask Hamas and the People of Gaza if it was worth terrorizing Israel for years by launching rockets against Israeli civilians. No rockets, no war and no Gaza blocade.

What Israel did in Gaza had ZERO connection with the Powell doctrine. Maybe you should get a copy and read it. If Israel had even approached using the Powell doctrine, not nearly so many kids would have died and Hamas would be out of power and Rafah would be open in the hands of the Palestinian Authority. Israel bombed the jails and targeted traffic police to weaken Hamas just a little. They assured that Hamas would remain in charge and in control of all the guns in Gaza. They also eliminated 25 or so schools and firebombed the UN and at least one hospital. That is not the Powell Doctrine in any way, shape or form.

"...IDF new and terrifying doctrine by which almost everything goes if it prevents casualties on our side." H&H twins and their uncle in Iran should only try and make a new mistake. Gideon Levy made it all very clear, and the army censor liked it. The bar had to be risen from Ben Gurion's original metric.

No sane person would deny the holocaust, or the right for the state of Israel to exist. Jews are right to think the world stood by while the holocaust was perpetrated, but to vent their collective anger against the defenseless Palestinian people for the crime is totally wrong - these people had nothing to do with the holocaust.

It is available on any map for all to see that Egypt also has a Gaza border. Need one say more? I think not.

Maybe for you Gideon.But to vast majority of Isrelis, and especilly the inhabitnts of Sederot, it was a great success. Rockets have virtually ceased.

So the US can invoke the Powell Doctrine but Israel cannot? Let's face it, the constant barrage of rockets has essentially stopped after the campaign. Is loss of innocent life unfortunate? Yes, of course, but it is also unfortunate when Hamas fires rockets from dense civilian areas. And, who cares what the rest of the world (i.e. the EU) thinks, they were not being bombed daily. Btw, it's white phosphorus not white sulphur.

Gideon, do you feel any safer in your house in Sderot? You mean YOU don't LIVE in Sderot? Are you a coward?

Israel feels good about defending its citizens from cruel and unusual rocket attacks. We don't and shouldn't feel bad for our enemies. It is unfortunate, however, that some innocent people are living in the Hamas-created battlefield called Gaza.

that Hamas and other factions continued defiance and rejection of Quartet's conditions and inclusion into political realm should have been enough of time, approx. 2 years, to change course for the sake of the Palestinians in Gaza. Organizations which commit to use of terror over decades and worsen the livelihood of their people must put down their arms. It's been an awful existence for them and for the people of Sderot. Compassion must be demanded of both sides for peace to come about - a mutual understanding for both to live with dignity.

What the world thinks fair is to have a Jewish state and a Palestinian state.The Palestinians reject any Jewish state but continue to BS the world about wanting a 2 state solution(2 Palestinian states).So, the world scratches its head and doesn't understand why there is no agreement to a Jewish state and a Palestinian state. That's how much the world understands about this conflict.