Reply #69: Comparatively [View All]

[Gimel]

I would like to see also a comparison of the number of suicide attacks carried out against Americans in Iraq and the number carried out against Israelis, civilian and military. That would bring the two conflicts into a better comparative light. The US went after Saddam and his immediate circle of power. Israel is fighting terrorist organizations that attack civilians.

By not going after these terrorist organizations, Israel would be writing its own death certificate. That is what I meant by self-destruct. Civilian deaths that occur within the context of the battle are, regrettable, predicable and unavoidable. To continually denounce all IDF servicemen and women because they are protecting their country, and putting their lives in danger to do it, is equivalent to saying that Israel has no right to protect it's citizens and to retaliate.

The building in the existing settlements, those considered suburbs of Jerusalem which house several thousand Israeli families, and the protection of those communities by electronic fences, even if they exceed the green line demarcation, although not expanding them, seems likely to continue. It is impossible to stifle natural growth of this sort without violating human rights as well. It is likewise a viscous sentiment that they should be exposed to terrorism.