Why Is Israel Losing a War It's Winning?

[mota bhai 2,675]

JEFFREY GOLDBERG

JUL 27 2014

... as I write it seems as if Israel is losing the war in Gaza, even as it wins the battle against Hamas’s rocket arsenal, and even as it destroys the tunnels meant to convey terrorists underground to Israel (and to carry Israeli hostages back to Gaza).

This is not the first time Israel has found itself losing on the battlefield of perception. Why is it happening again? Here are five possible reasons:

1. In a fight between a state actor and a non-state actor, the non-state actor can win merely by surviving. The party with tanks and planes is expected to win; the non-state group merely has to stay alive in order to declare victory. In a completely decontextualized, emotion-driven environment, Hamas can portray itself as the besieged upstart, even when it is the party that rejects ceasefires, and in particular because it is skilled at preventing journalists from documenting the activities of its armed wing. (I am differentiating here between Hamas's leadership and Gaza's civilians, who are genuinely besieged, from all directions.)

2. Hamas’s strategy is to bait Israel into killing Palestinian civilians, and Israel usually takes the bait. This time, because of the cautious nature of its prime minister, Israel waited longer than usual before succumbing to the temptation of bait-taking, but it took it all the same. Hamas’s principal goal is killing Jews, and it is very good at this, but it knows that it advances its own (perverse) narrative even more when it induces Israel to kill Palestinian civilians. This tactic would not work if the world understood this, and rejected it. But in the main, it doesn’t. Why people don’t see the cynicism at the heart of terrorist groups like Hamas is a bit of a mystery.

...

2. People talk a lot about the Jewish lobby. But the worldwide Muslim lobby is bigger, comprising, among other components, 54 Muslim-majority states in the United Nations. Many Muslims naturally sympathize with the Palestinian cause. They make their voices heard, and they help shape a global anti-Israel narrative, in particular by focusing relentlessly on Gaza to the exclusion of conflicts in which Muslims are being killed in even greater numbers, but by Muslims.

3. If you've spent any time these past few weeks on Twitter, or in Paris, you know that anti-Semitism is another source of Israel’s international isolation. One of the notable features of this war, brought to light by the ubiquity and accessibility of social media, is the open, unabashed expression of vitriolic Jew-hatred. Anti-Semitism has been with us for more than 2,000 years; it is an ineradicable and shape-shifting virus. The reaction to the Gaza war—from the Turkish prime minister, who compared Israel's behavior unfavorably to that of Hitler's, to the Lebanese journalist who demanded the nuclear eradication of Israel, to, of course, the anti-Jewish riots in France—is a reminder that much of the world is not opposed to Israel because of its settlement policy, but because it is a Jewish country.

4. Israel’s political leadership has done little in recent years to make their cause seem appealing. It is impossible to convince a Judeophobe that Israel can do anything good or useful, short of collective suicide. But there are millions of people of good will across the world who look at the decision-making of Israel’s government and ask themselves if this is a country doing all it can do to bring about peace and tranquility in its region. Hamas is a theocratic fascist cult committed to the obliteration of Israel. But it doesn’t represent all Palestinians. Polls suggest that it may very well not represent all of the Palestinians in Gaza. There is a spectrum of Palestinian opinion, just as there is a spectrum of Jewish opinion.

I don’t know if the majority of Palestinians would ultimately agree to a two-state solution. But I do know that Israel, while combating the extremists, could do a great deal more to buttress the moderates. This would mean, in practical terms, working as hard as possible to build wealth and hope on the West Bank. A moderate-minded Palestinian who watches Israel expand its settlements on lands that most of the world believes should fall within the borders of a future Palestinian state might legitimately come to doubt Israel’s intentions.

...

5. Speaking of the Obama administration, the cause of a two-state solution would be helped, and Israel's standing would be raised, if the secretary of state, John Kerry, realized that such a solution will be impossible to achieve so long as an aggressive and armed Hamas remains in place in Gaza. Kerry's recent efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have come to nothing in part because his proposals treat Hamas as a legitimate organization with legitimate security needs, as opposed to a group listed by Kerry's State Department as a terror organization devoted to the physical elimination of one of America's closest allies.

...

I'm not sure why Kerry's proposals for a ceasefire seem to indulge the organization that initiated this current war. Perhaps because Kerry may be listening more to Qatar, which is Hamas's primary funder, than he is listening to the Jordanians, Emiratis, Saudis, and Egyptians, all of whom oppose Hamas to an equivalent or greater degree than does their ostensible Israeli adversary. In any case, more on this later, as more details emerge about Kerry's efforts. For purposes of this discussion, I'll just say that Israel won't have a chance of winning the current struggle against Hamas's tunnel-diggers and rocket squads if its principal ally doesn't appear to fully and publicly understand Hamas's nihilistic war aims, even as it works to shape more constructive Israeli policies in other, related areas.

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/07/why-is-israel-losing-a-war-its-winning/375116/

[Karee 4,191]

He seems to have forgotten about the all out blockade of Gaza and the ongoing illegal settlement building in the West Bank.

[mota bhai 2,675]

Lots of nations have been built via settlers squatting on land that belonged to militarily inferior people.

[Karee 4,191]

Lots of nations have been built via settlers squatting on land that belonged to militarily inferior people.

Good to know. By that logic it would be perfectly fine if China moved into all of Kashmir and some other northern border areas? China is militarily superior to India, is it not?

[mota bhai 2,675]

Good to know. By that logic it would be perfectly fine if China moved into all of Kashmir and some other northern border areas? China is militarily superior to India, is it not?

It would be perfectly in keeping with world traditions, yes.

[Karee 4,191]

It would be perfectly in keeping with world traditions, yes.

The U.S. should invade Canada and take Alberta and Saskatchewan. Just to keep up with world tradition. We can leave them with Quebec, Ontario, B.C. and the eastern maritime provinces.

[rlogan 2,036]

Notice he starts with a fallacy: making war on "Hamas's Rocket Arsenal".

In militant Israeli propaganda, it is important to start with false framing. The war is over land theft and oppression of Palestinians, who are engaged in fighting via guerilla war since Israel has been armed to the teeth by the US and other powers while prohibiting weapons to the Palestinians.

The twin towers were taken out with men having nothing more than box cutters. Outnumbered on the order of fifty to one. Even if you removed every rocket by magic, the land theft and oppression remain to motivate never-ending guerilla war.

[OriZ 3,157]

Again, the blockade of Gaza is due to Hamas. Disarm Hamas, or, at least guarantee(how, I don't know, not my job to figure it out) that they will stop attacking Israel, and the blockade goes away.

What I find interesting is how poor the people of Gaza are, when Hamas has the backing and financial support of the richest country in the world, Qatar. But well, that money doesn't go to the right places, obviously. They'd rather use it to build an infrastructure to kill Israelis with. Also Hamas gets money from the UN, EU, US, Canada, Japan and others. What really baffles me is the Norwegians. Probably the most friendly western country towards Hamas. the same days that Intelligence info is warning of a major terror attack to be executed by Norwegian jihadists returning from Syria(talk about the hand that feeds, why do it in a country that already sympathizes with terror probably more than any other western country? Probably because they can. Because it's easier to do when you have naive people all around you), apparently in the capital Oslo. Norwegian forces raised the alert level, which reflected a marked police presence on the streets, at airports and other strategic sites - an unusual sight in the Norwegian capital (certainly since the last attack in 2011 by Anders Behring Breivik).

It seems that in Oslo, where about 10% of the population is Muslim, they don't connect the dots and see the link between the jihadists in Syria and what is happening in Gaza. One indication of this is last week the Norwegian Foreign Minister sent a special envoy to Qatar to meet with the chairman of the Hamas political bureau, Khaled Meshal in an attempt to promote a cease-fire. The only European country to send a messenger to Meshal. This expresses the closeness between the two sides and open dialogue channels . this is not surprising since Norway has always maintained ties to Hamas and stubbornly refused to include the organization in the list of terrorist organizations like other Western states.

Moreover, Norway was the one that recognized the unity government that included Hamas after the elections of 2006 and announced that it will continue to pump her assistance. Even after previous operations of Israel in Gaza - Norway has contributed generously to the Gaza Strip in what was defined "humanitarian contribution". Not surprising, then, that the organization "The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza" took up residence in Norway. This organization is active in all of Europe and deals with, among other things, raising money. Israel has this organization outlawed claiming it is an offshoot of Hamas, but the Norwegian government will not act against it.

Another organization affiliated with Hamas and is considered legitimate in Norway is ufree. Outwardly, an organization designed to protect the rights of Palestinian prisoners, but in practice it is an organization that deals with extreme anti-Israel incitement steadily under the line of Hamas. If someone is searching for another problematic relationship in financing Hamas by the Norwegians, they will find that in the investigation carried out by the organization "Pal Media Watch" which exposed the aid of Norway to the Palestinian Authority of Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah is directed, in part, to the payment of monthly "pension" to thousands of security prisoners in Israeli prisons . These payments are to the worst terrorists as, for example, Abdullah Barghouti, "Hamas engineer" imprisoned in Israel with blood on his hands after hundreds of Israelis were killed following the deadly explosives he prepared during the second intifada. Despite the tumult of the investigation in Norway, the Norwegian government aid to the Palestinian Authority continues worth about $ 50 million a year and the killing prisoners are paid. Norway also heads the forum of donor countries to the Palestinians and in that capacity is always working to transfer aid.

Norway tries to make herself the role of "neutral mediator" helps through some state agencies running some organizations consistently vocal in international forums against Israeli policies concerning the Palestinians. All while downplaying the terrorist element in the conflict. Report in 2005 revealed that the Norwegian government assistance comes, for example, to a body called NPA that aims to make humanitarian projects, including in Gaza. The Organization holds anti - Israeli sentiments and collaborates with organizations close to Hamas., For example, NPA condemned the assasinations of Hamas leaders Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdelaziz Rantisi in 2004 and called them "Israeli terrorist acts."

Earlier this year Norwegian government received much credit among Palestinians, including Hamas leaders. This was after the Scandinavian country's Ministry of Finance instructed the "oil fund" to avoid investments in 'Africa Israel' and 'Danya Cebus' because they involved building projects in East Jerusalem. "Oil Fund" is the biggest government investment fund in the world. Hamas leader Izzat Rishak, described the decision as a true Norwegian way to stop the "theft of Palestinian land."

Norway's tolerance towards Hamas is not unique only to it but characterizes other Scandinavian countries. For years, Islamic organizations operate across these countries (and in the rest of Europe) and raise money under the guise of charitable organizations for Hamas. Israel's efforts to lead to closure of bank accounts of these organizations took a hard beating in Scandinavia.

As Part of the struggle, the EU announced in 2008 that will work against the "Fund to - Aqsa", an Islamic organization that has tentacles not only in Europe but also in Africa. For years, Israel claims (and the U.S.) this fund is used as a lever in raising funds for Hamas in Europe. Due to the pressure and evidence presented by Israel, The EU countries led by Germany, decided to boycott this organization. Except that in Denmark and Sweden the organization can continue to operate.

In Europe there are about 500 institutions associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, many of them engaged in raising funds ultimately going to Hamas. This is a complicated and sophisticated scheme making it difficult to follow the funds until they reach their final destination. The Openness of some governments towards these organizations also helps finance organizations such as Hamas.

And I say, when you invite terror into your house, don't be surprised when it knocks on your door.

Edited July 27, 2014 by OriZ

[Karee 4,191]

Again, the blockade of Gaza is due to Hamas. Disarm Hamas, or, at least guarantee(how, I don't know, not my job to figure it out) that they will stop attacking Israel, and the blockade goes away.

What I find interesting is how poor the people of Gaza are, when Hamas has the backing and financial support of the richest country in the world, Qatar. But well, that money doesn't go to the right places, obviously. They'd rather use it to build an infrastructure to kill Israelis with. Also Hamas gets money from the UN, EU, US, Canada, Japan and others. What really baffles me is the Norwegians. Probably the most friendly western country towards Hamas. the same days that Intelligence info is warning of a major terror attack to be executed by Norwegian jihadists returning from Syria(talk about the hand that feeds, why do it in a country that already sympathizes with terror probably more than any other western country? Probably because they can. Because it's easier to do when you have naive people all around you), apparently in the capital Oslo. Norwegian forces raised the alert level, which reflected a marked police presence on the streets, at airports and other strategic sites - an unusual sight in the Norwegian capital (certainly since the last attack in 2011 by Anders Behring Breivik).

All the money in the world doesn't help you if you can't spend it to buy things. You keep forgetting about blockade of Gaza. I could win 500 million USD in the lottery tomorrow and go to prison for 50 years the next day. Granted on paper I'm a millionaire, but it hardly matters if the warden (Israel) wont let me spend it on stuff.

[OriZ 3,157]

That's the thing though, they CAN spend it on stuff. The blockade does not prevent that. They just choose not to.

[mota bhai 2,675]

The U.S. should invade Canada and take Alberta and Saskatchewan. Just to keep up with world tradition.

If we wanted to, sure.

[Karee 4,191]

The whole thing is flawed because the lines are built around existing illegal settlements that shouldn't even be there in the first place. Kick them out, give the Palestinians their own state based on the 1967 border. Israel can build a big ol wall along that border, and that's that.

[mota bhai 2,675]

Except that won't be that. Hamas is yet to concede Israel's right to exist. An adversary like that needs to be eliminated, not contained.

[OriZ 3,157]

Not only is Hamas losing its latest battle with Israel, it may also be losing its popular support, according to a recent poll and interviews with war-weary Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

The U.S.-recognized terrorist group, which has governed Gaza since 2007, has refused several attempts by international mediators to establish a cease fire since Israel began a ground invasion of the densely-populated strip on July 18. Israel, which on Friday rejected a cease fire proposal offered by U.S. Secetary of State John Kerry, says it launched Operation Protective Edge to stop the daily barrage of rockets fired into the Jewish state and to destroy the labyrinth of tunnels used by operatives to sneak in and out of Israel, carrying out acts of terrorism.

But as the body count mounts under superior Israeli firepower, many Gazans are turning on Hamas. A Washington Institute study released this week which surveyed 450 people in Gaza found 70 percent support better relations with Israel. While the poll was conducted two weeks prior to Israel's operation, some Gazans say those feelings have solidified in the wake of the ongoing destruction of their territory.

“We want to see the war stop," Mohammad Hassounah told FoxNews.com from a hospital in Khan Yunis, a city in the southern part of the Gazan strip, where his young daughter was receiving treatment after inhaling rocket smoke. "We want a cease fire at any cost.”

Like 30-year-old political activist Hassounah, many of the residents of Gaza are paying a heavy price for the 18-day conflict between Hamas and Israel. He said the stench of death from more than 800 people killed in the Israeli onslaught has turned city streets into graveyards.

“You need to understand that Palestinian blood has been shed by Hamas itself," a 28-year old journalist who asked not to be identified told FoxNews.com. "Living under Hamas is a tragedy.”

Since Israel's operation began Hamas has fired more than 2,300 rockets at Israel, including one that struck near enough to Ben Gurion Airport to prompt a 48-hour ban on most international flights in and out. While the rocket attacks have been largely neutralized by Israel's Iron Dome defense system, the incursion into the Palestinian enclave has left an estimated 140,000 Gazans displaced.

“Nobody can forgive Hamas for what they’re doing," the journalist said. "No one can forgive Hamas for butchering Palestinians to get power. Most Gazans hate Hamas with a passion."

There is fear of speaking out against Hamas, which is why many have stayed quiet until now, according to the source, an editor at a local Gazan media outlet.

“The only reason Hamas rules Gaza is because of its ruthless iron fist and military dictatorship," he said. "We would love to have an independence from both Fatah and Hamas, who are profiting off the Palestinian people. We need to rule ourselves.”

The Washington Institute poll found that more than 70 percent of respondents said non-violent resistance had a “positive impact” and that they want Israel to open up its borders so they could go there to work.

“The study is quite telling," the Institute's David Pollack, who conducted the survey, told FoxNews.com. "The Gazans want jobs and practical things. They don’t want war and don’t support Hamas ideology.

“And with so many Palestinians actually saying they want peace and support an immediate cease fire, it means Hamas is imposing this war against Israel on its own people,” Pollack said.

While Gazans' anger at Israel has almost certainly grown amid the Israeli incursion, which has seen the destruction of schools and hospitals, where Israel claims Hamas has hidden rockets, resentment toward Hamas surfaced in local reports this week after Hamas' Qatar-based leader Khaled Mashaal refused to agree to a cease fire absent a lifting of blockades and a release of political prisoners.

“The conditions he put means there will never be an end to this war,” said Mudhar Zahran, a Palestinian politician, said from his home in the West Bank. “Gazans were cursing him out on social media and elsewhere when he said that.”

According to Zahran, Hamas has never been so unpopular in Gaza, although in the West Bank, where Palestinians are “not in the line of fire,” many may hail Mashaal as a hero.

“No normal human being can watch what’s going on and still support Hamas. I beg the Israeli army to understand that Hamas uses civilians, while their own leaders (like Mashaal) are hiding in Qatar.”

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/07/25/war-weary-gazans-lash-out-at-hamas-over-refusal-cease-fire/

[rlogan 2,036]

Again, the blockade of Gaza is due to

The militant Israeli bedtime fairy tale:

One day, the Palestinians attacked Israel. Israel fought back. The end.

Until you learn to start with the land theft and persecution of Palestinians, you are not telling the truth.