…Israel has been massing artillery, armor and infantry on Gaza’s borders since the start of the offensive last week, threatening a significant ground operation. But politicians are wary about starting a potentially lengthy and bloody invasion with national elections just over a month away.
Opinion, Israel, Hamas and the seduction of blind force. By Gershom Gorenberg
December 30, 2008
Before Israel and Hamas chose blunt instruments, each side had better choices.
For angry people, force is seductive.
Before they chose blunt instruments, each side had better choices. In November, Egypt proposed a compromise to end the Palestinian political split between Hamas and Fatah, Gaza and the West Bank. The deal would have created a coalition government under Palestinian President (and Fatah leader) Mahmoud Abbas, Israel’s chosen negotiating partner, for several months before new elections in both parts of Palestinian territory. With Gaza part of Abbas’ fiefdom, Israel politically would have had a harder time maintaining the blockade. But Hamas rejected the deal, apparently because of internal divisions.
Now the diplomatic choices are much more difficult. Captured by fury, afraid most of all of appearing weak and inviting worse aggression, each side is unable to back off. The flood has been released.
Gershom Gorenberg is the author of “The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth of the Settlements, 1967-1977” (Times Books). He blogs at southjerusalem.com.
Senior Hamas Leader Killed, (Washington Post)…Griff Witte
An Israeli airstrike on Thursday killed a senior Hamas leader, the first to die in the six-day assault on the Gaza Strip, as Israel readied for a possible ground invasion that military officials said could come at any moment.
With its punishing air attacks on Gaza about to enter a fifth day, its gunboats gathering near the Gaza port and its ground forces poised for imminent action, Israel said Tuesday that it was considering a 48-hour cease-fire that would also require Hamas to stop its rocket fire.
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