[[Jerusalem Times: Opinion]]
November 8, 2006
This week in Israel….. Behind the news with Gershon Baskin
Mr. Peretz, Go Home!
We woke up this morning with the tragic news of a bloodbath in Beit Hanoun. Israeli tanks opened fire on houses killing 19 Palestinian civilians, mostly women and children. The IDF commander of the operation stated that they were aiming at a cell of people about to launch Qassam rockets. Minister of Defense Peretz ordered an investigation and a halt to all artillery fire. You’re too late Mr. Peretz. You have once again proven beyond the shadow of any doubt that you are not fit to be Defense Minister. You are not fit to lead the Labour party and you do not deserve to be called a man of peace.
Over 350 Palestinians have been killed by the IDF under your leadership Mr. Peretz, since June 25, 2006. More than 1/3 of them have been civilians including more than 57 minors. Concluding a six day raid of destruction and killing in Beit Hanoun in the northern part of the Gaza strip. You, Mr. Peretz said that the operation was a success and that the residents of the western Negev could sleep sound knowing that the IDF had done everything possible to end the Qassam rocket shootings from Gaza. Mr. Peretz, you still call yourself a “man of peace”? Men of peace don’t celebrate the death of innocent people.
Almost immediately after the IDF withdrawal from Gaza (most of the troops at least) Qassam rockets came raining down on Sderot and as far as north Ashkelon. There were still IDF troops in Gaza when the Qassam rockets were launched. Journalists from all over the world entered Beit Hanoun to witness and document the grand destruction left behind. Beit Hanoun residents who were under curfew for the last six days were overwhelmed by what their eyes saw. Beit Hanoun is a farming community of about 32,000 residents. Once described by the IDF as a “village of peace” most of the residents there earn their livings from growing strawberries and flowers for export, using Israeli technology and know-how in modern greenhouses. They market their goods through Israeli export companies and the farmers’ cooperatives have contacts and cooperation with Israeli agro-business interests for years.
Just before ending the IDF operation, IDF officers and military correspondents claimed that the operation was a success. The IDF, they claimed, has severely wounded the infrastructure of the Qassam rockets and at least for the coming weeks it would be quieter. Now, only one day later some of the same people are claiming that the Palestinians have improved their ability to store rockets because of having better quality explosives smuggled into Gaza from Sinai. Only one military analyst, Alon Ben David on Channel 10 news questioned the wisdom of the kind of operation that took place. No one, no politician nor any television correspondent even asked what was achieved in Beit Hanoun by killing 53 Palestinians including at least 17 civilians. How has this operation improved Israel’s security? Why was so much physical destruction done? Why is no one answerable to the continued failures of the Israeli policy? Even some unnamed US officials who supported the Israeli operation in Gaza has been quoted as stating that without a combination of military and political policies, there is no way to put an end to the launching of Qassam rockets from Gaza. In the words of the sticker put out by the Bereaved Parents Circle “it won’t end until we talk”.
Now who will pay for this morning’s attack against the innocent civilians of Beit Hanoun? What Israeli officer will be held responsible? Which Israeli politician will stand up and pay for this attack? The answer is no one. The Israeli government and the Israeli army will continue to act with complete impunity. The people of Israel won’t hold them responsible, most Israelis support the actions of the government and the army. Who cares when Palestinians are getting butchered – they are the enemy, they are shooting qassams at us, they don’t want peace, they elected Hamas, they support terrorism, the list of excuses and answers go on and on. The talksbacks on Ynet and in other places will be filled with Israelis calling for more attacks. MK Zvi Hendel from the Nationalist bloc already stated on Galei Zahal that we need more attacks like the one this morning. He would send in the army to arrest and kill as much as possible. In his eyes there are no innocent Palestinians, they are all the same, a bunch of terrorists.
It pains me greatly to say that the actions of the State of Israel in Beit Hanoun are nothing less than State terrorism. I know that I will get a lot of angry emails and telephone calls for writing this. The truth must be spoken. What have you done Mr. Peretz to speak with the Palestinians? You were “brave” enough to meet with Abu Mazen when you were a candidate. What have you done for peace since you are sitting in the second most important seat in the Israeli cabinet? No, Mr. Peretz, you are not a man of peace. You Mr. Peretz have become a man of war.
I gave you my vote Mr. Peretz. You convinced me to vote for the Labour party for the first time in my life. I have never in my life felt more ashamed of the way I voted. It is time for you to go home. It is time for you to take responsibility for your actions. Mr. Peretz, ish shalom, v’lo l’hitraiot – Mr. Peretz man of peace, good riddance.
Gershon Baskin is the Co-CEO of IPCRI – the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information. www.ipcri.org