(Friends of Israel Initiative) Jose Maria Aznar - No other army like the IDF takes so many precautions as to avoid inflicting unnecessary casualties. It is also morally imperative to remember that Israel doesn't target innocent civilians, but combatants in plain clothes, unlike Hamas which fires indiscriminately against population centers. Jerusalem is prompted to show restraint and moderation, but to my knowledge, no other nation has to cope with a neighboring terrorist land and just disregard the rockets flying overhead. Hamas leaders know that Israel fights with one hand tied behind its back: Israel cannot respond intensely because it would be accused of "disproportionality." Israel cannot inflict either much damage or many enemy casualties because it would be accused of crimes against humanity. The more internationally isolated Iran perceives Israel is, the more daring Iran's actions will be. That's why, to bolster Israel's deterrence - and thus, our own security - we should support Jerusalem in its fight against the terrorists who run Gaza. The writer was Prime Minister of Spain from 1996 to 2004. Today he heads the Foundation for Social Analysis and Study (FAES) in Madrid.
2014-07-23 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive