Some historical corrections

Submitted by JJ (United States), Dec 24, 2006 at 20:25

Many of the early major battles in 1948 were fought against the Palestinians living within what became Israel. So it is not correct to say that they are only now getting involved in the fighting.

Over the years they were involved in numerous rebellions, acts of terrorism, and other forms of sedition. For example take "Land Day" in 1976 or the October riots in 2001.

On the other hand there have been many Muslims who have fought and died for Israel. The evidence is in the graveyards of many Beduin villages. Or look up "Amos Yarkoni" and "Sayeret Shaked". This heritage continues. I would add that your comment that "Druze and Christians are ... less hostile" is a severe understatement. Druze serve in the army and many of them fought bravely in the recent Lebanon war. One of the best generals in the Israeli army, Brig. Gen. Imad Fares, is a Druze Arab. (Many people believe that if he had been in command in Lebanon, Mr. Nasrallah's head would be on a platter in Mr. Olmert's office.)

As for the Christians, the arrival in Israel of a large Russian Christian immigrant population has changed the complexion of the Christian community and Arab Christians seem to be more pro-Israel than previously. That said, there is definitely an increase in seditious activity, and I can think of several reasons. 1. The process of Islamization and radicalization that is going on everywhere in the Muslim world, to a large extent with Saudi funding. 2. The influence of the Palestinian Authority. This is one of the least-considered and most serious effects of the Oslo process. 3. The Palestinization of the Israeli Arab population through migration and intermarriage over the past few decades. Many Israeli Arab soldiers complain that they cannot come home in uniform without being harrassed by Palestinians living in their villages. 4. The lack of any meaningful law enforcement in the Arab areas of Israel. 5. Discrimination and lack of opportunity for those Arabs who would like to join Israeli society. 6. The weakness of Israeli policy and the feeling that Israel can be defeated. JJ

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