As the cessation of hostilities takes effect a new reality in Israeli politics is crucial. The reality of putting strategic needs above convenient political short cuts.
Failure of Israeli Govts to act
After the withdrawal from Lebanon by Ehud Barak in 2000 which was carried out improperly and with haste, a tough verbal line was taken. Israel claimed that any provocation would be met harshly. But there were provocations, within months - those massive harsh retaliations never came.
After the withdrawal of Gaza, similarly endless political talk of the hell that would be opened on Gaza if there were provocations. For months rockets rained on Israel from the withdrawn territory. But hell only opened a year later when Gilad Shalit was abducted and Israel was attacked on the ground.
New Reality, or same old political games?
If this resolution, claimed by Israel as positive is to be effective, if Israel as a State is to be safe, from this point on provocations MUST BE MET BY IMMEDIATE AND OVERWHELMING FORCE in response. Failure of any political will in these matters as we have seen previously will result in again Israel being vulnerable. This must stretch well beyond any withdrawals or moves over the next few weeks and months, this MUST be policy.
Leaflets – No return to status quo
Already early this morning thousands of leaflets were dropped on Beirut, warning Lebanon that provocation would be met with harsh response. So we see that the regular and routine threat has been issued, if Israel fails again to meet its verbal threats with physical pain no resolution will be filled, no safety will come to the citizens of the State of Israel in the future.
Hezbollah itself will be under tremendous pressure by Lebanese, more pressure than they have ever known, only a resolute and unwavering Israel can maintain this deterrence and maintain the political pressure on Hezbollah in the future, and lead to Hezbollah disarmament.
Pingback: Chris At Home()