Ten Myths About Israel and the Palestinians

Israel is only acting to protect its citizens from rockets and terrorism

False. Israel has interests, and they include more than just "security." For example, they seek to position themselves better for future negotiations where they can keep settlements, prevent full Palestinian sovereignty and get a better deal regarding Jerusalem and the refugee question. These are not "security" questions, they are ideologically motivated national interests.

There is no one to talk to

False. Just as Israel waited for many years before finally talking to the PLO, we are in a situation where Hamas is willing to negotiate, but Israel is refusing.

Palestinians harm civilians on purpose, but Israel only aims at terrorists

Israel has killed many civilians via aerial bombardment. This is terror on a mass scale. The idea that when Israel commits violence it is somehow morally distinct from Hamas violence is false. Israel aims to defeat the Palestinian resistance, be it violent or nonviolent, centered in organizations like Hamas or popular actions like in Bil'in. The various human rights groups have documented ongoing Israeli violations committed by Israel against Palestinian civilians since the occupation began, more than 40 years ago.

Israel has left Gaza

Israel withdrew troops from Gaza but kept control over the coastline and land crossings. Israel has had Gaza under full or partial siege since the Palestinian Authority was established there. Only when there is Palestinain state with full sovereignty can we talk about Gaza being free from occupation. And until the occupation ends, resistance will continue.

If the Palestinians stopped violent attacks, then Israel would resume negotiations and support the creation of a Palestinian state

There have been many periods of calm since 1993. Israel has rejected peace because the terms were not to its liking. Military conflict is the result of both sides jockeying for better terms. At the end of the day, nothing is stopping Israel from ending the occupation. All they have to do is announce that all elements of the Israeli state are leaving the West Bank and Gaza and East Jerusalem by such and such date, and leave. Of course, if they want things like the right to keep some settlement blocs, or to have the occupation of East Jerusalem recognized as legal, then they need a Palestinian negotiating partner.

It is not possible to negotiate with Hamas

It might be extremely difficult, but not impossible. Israel has already been dealing with them for years around the logistical issues of the border crossings, negotiations regarding Gilad Shalit, they supply of food and fuel, and more.

Attacking Hamas was the only way to stop the rocket attacks

Not true. Hamas has offered long term truces with Israel that include opening up the border crossing and resuming normal trade relations. The siege of Gaza is an act of war committed against a democratically elected government. The rocket war is a Palestinian response to ongoing Israeli violations of its sovereignty.

Hamas wants to destroy Israel

True. But then Israel wants to destroy Hamas, so it's even. Only, Hamas has offered a long term truce that de facto recognizes Israel. There are more moderate elements within Hamas that seek to accept a two state solution. Israeli behavior is designed to "prove" that Hamas moderates cannot achieve anything, and thus ensure that the organization remains committed to terrorist violence.

This attack will help ensure security for southern Israel

Many observers say otherwise. Hamas has now pledged to resume suicide bombings inside Israel. It is quite possible that the violence will only escalate.

Attacking the civilian population will force them to reject Hamas leadership

This strategy has been tried and failed many times, in Lebanon and the Occupied Territories, against many waves of leaders. It's not credible.