My Letter in the Jerusalem Post on this

Submitted by jd (United States), Oct 18, 2011 at 20:03

Sir, – According to its accusers, Israel is a ruthless victimizer of innocents who respond violently out of desperation. Actually, though, terrorists take advantage of the fact that Israel is restrained by moral scruples.

Would they keep launching rockets from the Gaza Strip if Israel responded by devastating entire neighborhoods, as it easily could? Would youngsters be throwing rocks if they knew the response would be like that seen in Syria? Would hostages be taken if Israel went after the bad guys in Gaza with abandon? Of course not, and they know it.

Israel's foes may lack scruples, but they are not fools. Sometimes, though, I wonder about Israel.

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