Palestinian terrorism

UPSCALE IN ARAB VIOLENCE AGAINST ISRAEL NOT SEEN AS PRELUDE TO SOMETHING BIGGER…….

 

Pound them into dust if they do try something bigger.

Despite spike in Israeli-Palestinian violence, situation still under control

By YOSSI MELMAN
12/25/2013 09:49

Neither Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, or Hamas wishes to see another round of fighting. What we are seeing is akin to a conversation between two deaf people.

IDF medics at the scene of the shooting on the northern Gaza border, December 24, 2013.
IDF medics at the scene of the shooting on the northern Gaza border, December 24, 2013. Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen

The escalating violence this week between Israel and the Palestinians has not completely spun out of control, at least not at this stage. Perhaps we may see a rocket or two being launched from Gaza toward Israel on Wednesday morning, but by and large all of the regional players have no interest in expanding the cycle of violence, certainly not on Christmas, a day on which Bethlehem is decorated for a festive occasion.

Neither Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, or Hamas wishes to see another round of fighting. What we are seeing is akin to a conversation between two deaf people.

Israel could not have continued to hold its fire, especially after the murder of Defense Ministry civilian employee Salah Shukri Abu Latyef, the 22-year-old from Rahat who worked along the separation fence in Gaza to repair the damage caused by the recent storm. Israel also could not have ignored the string of terrorist incidents from recent days, including the explosive device which blew up on a bus in Bat Yam as well as the stabbing of a traffic policemen near Jerusalem. In the last three months, six Israelis have been killed in terrorist offenses.

That explains Israel’s decision to respond with a military blow. It was a joint operation that included IAF warplanes, tanks, and artillery fire against Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza. In addition, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon decided to seal off the Gaza border crossings. While Israel’s response was sharp, it was still a measured one when considering regional circumstances.

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