I was wrong about disengagement. Yes, let the record state that I was wrong. At the time I had thought that it was going to be a painful but necessary step in trying to bring peace. I didn’t see it as having immediate results, but saw it as being something that would be part of the process.
Instead I have been proven wrong. The rockets still fly and the attacks continue and the world basically ignores what is going on.
And now with the kidnappings it is time to show a very strong response. The terrorists need to see that the consequences of their actions lead to a response that is too painful to endure.
It is time to go back in and retake Gaza, or at least large sections of it. It wasn’t a great situation before, but it is worse now.
Simon of Jerusalem says
Unfortunately, Harry is still in a fantasy world that some of us never entered, and many of those who did enter are starting to emerge, like Jack, Chaim and many others. When will we ALL wake up???
Harry says
You weren’t wrong. It was the right step. The problem now lies with the current government. I supported disengagement and still do. I understood that being out of Gaza would give Israel carte blanche to retaliate in an appropriate manner. This kidnapping would NEVER have happened if Israel bombed the shit out of Gaza the first time kassams and ketushot. The Palestinians only understand force. The only diplomacy they understand is violence. Israel should have done what they are doing now months ago. It’s the current governments fault (Amir Peretz as Defense Minister?!?! PLEASE!) not disengagement. You think it would have gotten this far in Sharon was still PM? Never!
Chaim says
Sadly Jack I join on the same sinking ship.
Elie says
I would have mostly supported disengagement if it have been done differently. I still think following these suggestions would have avoided much of the moral boost that it gave the enemy, which just emboldens them to fight harder. As it was done in fact, it had no benefits and only drawbacks.
Jack's Shack says
Hi Rebecca,
I hate admitting that I was wrong, but sometimes it is the smartest and easiest way to move ahead.
Leaf,
It is a terrible situation, just terrible. But you can’t sit on your hands hoping that real leadership will appear.
Leaf says
I still dont think its a great idea to keep Gaza but I am also for a strong response. The fact that the kidnapping and the attack and murder of two other soldiers took place at a pre-67 line, you know the one Hamas keeps screaming about how they will accept, proves what we already knew.
There are no lines, there is no boundary that will be accepted. Nothing but for Israel to stop existing. Unfortunately, we are no closer to peace now than we were before and the time for diplomacy seems lost. The only option may be for Israel to show its full might before they show a little compassion.
But, what then? There are no leaders for the Palestinians. No one strong enough to care about the people over the struggle. No one willing to risk their lives to get the hate out of education and to think of Human Welfare over the “struggle”. I can see why they have such little hope and their children run to Israeli prisons for better lives.
Rebecca says
I think it is really great that you are able to admit you are wrong. I have had many political debates with people about that issue and many many others and to date I have NEVER had anyone admit to being wrong in retrospect. I applaud you.