The IDF said that “the aim of the operation is to protect Israeli lives and crush Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.” Does the Obama Administration not want Israel to crush Hamas? This demand for an action narrowly focused on the tunnels would suggest that.
“US: Restrict Gaza operation to precise action against tunnels,” by Rebecca Shimoni Stoil, Times of Israel, July 18, 2014:
WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State John Kerry told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US strongly supports Israel’s right to defend itself against threats posed by the Gaza tunnels dug into Israel and urged Israel to limit its ground operation to a precision offensive against the tunnels, the State Department revealed late Thursday evening.
In a statement following a Thursday afternoon phone call between Netanyahu and Kerry as Israel launched a ground offensive into Gaza, State Department officials said that “the secretary reaffirmed [the US’s] strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist threats emanating from tunnels into Israel and expressed our view that this should be a precise operation to target tunnels, as described in a statement from the Israeli Defense Forces.”
During the call, Netanyahu briefed Kerry on the attempted terrorist attack that was thwarted near Kibbutz Sufa on Thursday morning, and emphasized what the State Department described as “the imminent threat to Israeli civilians posed by Hamas tunnels from the Gaza Strip.”
Netanyahu discussed with Kerry his decision to launch a ground operation to target the threat of further terrorist infiltration through tunnels into Israel.
According to State Department officials, in addition to offering support for the operation against Hamas’s underground networks, Kerry “emphasized the need to avoid further escalation and to restore the 2012 ceasefire as soon as possible.”
The secretary of state also reiterated Washington’s “continuing commitment to the Egyptian initiative as the way” to restore the ceasefire, while emphasizing that it was important for Hamas to accept the plan “as soon as possible.”
The statement came a day after State Department officials were pressed as to whether the US had only cool support for the Egyptian proposal, which was reportedly brokered with the help of Quartet representative and former British prime minister Tony Blair.
On Tuesday, Israel agreed to abide by the Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire, but Hamas refused, continuing to launch rockets at Israeli cities.
In his conversation with Netanyahu, Kerry also reiterated US concern about the safety and security of civilians on both sides and the importance of doing everything possible to prevent civilian casualties.
Kerry’s comments followed a strongly-worded statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki casting doubt as to whether Israel was really taking all steps possible to avoid civilian casualties.
After two separate incidents of Gazan children being killed were reported in as many days, Psaki said that the State Department was “increasingly concerned about the safety and security of civilians on both sides” and said that the US was “asking for a redoubling of efforts moving forward to prevent civilian casualties given the events of the past couple days.”
Psaki told reporters that Kerry had addressed the issue in a call with Netanyahu earlier in the week. “We believe there is more that can be done” to protect civilians, Psaki said.
Expanding on her reaction to Wednesday’s killing of four Gazan children playing by the city’s fishing pier, Psaki described the US as “heartbroken” by reports of children’s deaths, and that – regarding the specific incident Wednesday – “the reports were horrifying, the photos were horrifying and the video was horrifying.”
Psaki said State Department officials, including Kerry, “were heartened to see the statement by President Shimon Peres in which he spoke to the deaths of these children” but underscored the fact that they did not consider Peres’s statement to be a condemnation of the children’s deaths.
Jax Tolmen says
I’m sorry, but what more can Israel do to prevent civilian casualties?
1. Israel cannot afford to let Hamas’ documented use of human shields become an effective deterrent, as that will only encourage this behaviour. Kerry would do well to remember who is putting these people in danger in the first place – the terrorists. If the terrorists refrained from using civilian areas as bases to launch indiscriminate attacks against Israel, Israel would have no need to attack these places to begin with. Place the blame squarely at the feet of those responsible – Hamas.
2. Israel is taking well documented and unprecedented steps to minimise civilian casualties. If Israel acted as many opponents claim they do – that is, targeting civilians – there would be a lot more dead people to complain about. The death toll should make it obvious that Israel is acting to reduce collateral damage. The relatively LOW death toll could be much higher if not for the concreted efforts of the IDF to minimise casualties. Correct me if I’m mistaken, but not even America took such stringent steps in its latest military campaigns. The hypocrisy astounds me.
3. Hamas is a designated terrorist organisation. It’s very existence means it must be destroyed. The fact that it is actively trying to kill Israeli civilians more than justifies Israel’s response. Does Kerry want to indirectly aid and provide comfort to the enemy by allowing Hamas to continue to exist?
4. After September 11, the US launched a massive military invasion that lead to the deaths of thousands of civilians. Israel suffers from similar attacks on a daily basis – although obviously not quite of the same independent scale as the catastrophe that was 9/11. America did not use restraint when it invaded, and unlike Israel – was not under quantifiable daily threat by millions of people in close physical proximity. It is extremely hypocritical of any US government to condemn Israel or urge restraint when it does not practice what it preaches. In fact, any dignified administration should congratulate Israel if it so strongly believes in ‘restraint’ in times of war. Restraint is a logical fallacy that is best debated another time.
Simply put; Kerry and Obama et Al are hypocrites and should be ashamed of themselves. No one should be forced to endure constant attacks on a daily basis, and no sovereign nation on the planet would sit by and do nothing. Israel is going far beyond its obligations, and should be unequivocally and publicly congratulated for its efforts.
In case you mistake me, I am not anti – American ; I am merely pointing out gross political hypocrisy as I see it.
Pageal says
Well said! Why is the Obama Administration restricting the operation to Tunnels? Is it because it wants to preserve the snake’s heads HAMAS? Israel has been driven to the point where some of it’s soldiers will give up their lives to defend their country. The pathetic Obama regime has already wasted the lives of many American and European soldiers in Iraq thanks to their inept policies. Israel needs to do what is right for it’s survival never mind the financial blackmail the US will use to persuade the Israeli government to follow the US. Be strong and may G_D be with you.
shrugger says
Oh, not to worry. Better than 60% of us Americans are now Anti Barry Regime. Many are beginning to seriously wonder why he’s not being arrested for Treason.
Charli Main says
Destroy the Hamas tunnels and Hamas will just keep building new tunnels, funded by the American and EU taxpayer.
To state the obvious, its Hamas that needs to be eliminated, preferably while they are inside the tunnels.
Daphne Donges says
The only way to stop Hamas building more tunnels is to crush Hams so completely that they never get the chance to rise again.
Israel has to take complete control of the Gaza strip. It is the only way to stop the terrorists! Take control of the schools and begin teaching children to love life not love death. To take control of the Hospitals and to make sure that the Mosques no longer teach that God loves to see Jews killed!
umbra says
Good and practical long term solution.
1. hamas will have to be eliminated from gaza completed, not simply crushed.
2. There are probably thousands of personnel (combat, political and support) from hamas and similarly aligned organisations. These would have to detained or expel from gaza.
3. Once gaza is secured, it would probably take two generations (approx. 50 years) to deprogram Jew hatred from the local population. Those below a certain age – very early teens – would have an excellent chance of having their minds cleared of this poison. In 50 years time, those who are possessed by Jew hatred would be in the mid-60’s or beyond, heading towards the twilight. They would be (hopefully) powerless to revive their deadly habits.
4. Israel will have to fund the rebuilding of gaza – industry, infrastructure and homes – to ensure that gaza has a sustainable, useful and meaningful economy to support its residents. The cost of all this would mostly likely fall entirely on Israel. It may be also be very high – USD 50-100+ billion over 50 years including subsidies.
5. If the deprogramming and economic rebuilding are both successful, then the contrast between a “revived gaza” and the (presumably still) languishing west bank will become more apparent as time passes by. Eventually, the world may see the “revived gaza” model – including the deprogramming along side real economic development – as the way forward in resolving this issue – an alternative to armed struggle fueled by hatred.
6. If gaza is revived successfully, protection barriers should remain for several more generations at least. When there are no longer any document attacks for a few generations, then considerations towards dismantling these barriers may be taken.
AnneM says
Will Bibi listen…………Nope.
Rob says
Hey John boy!
How many tunnels are there?
How many rockets have been launched?
..and you are saying ‘go after the tunnels’?
duh_swami says
The US wants a 2 state solution with 67 borders. If Israel goes full out after Hamas it will be a really long time before that is considered again.
Judi says
Israel banned cement from entering Gaza for a long time because of this very reason, but eventually had to relent due to pressure from all sides who were demanding that without cement, hospitals, schools, etc. could not be built. Now we see Israel was right all along. This is what the savages needed it ” so desperately” for all along!
Prinz Eugen says
Mullah Barak Hussein and all of islamo-marxist appointees have made it abundantly clear that they are on the side of islam. Gabby Hayes and now Mike Savage say they are “in cahoots!”
Mullah Barry has made it clear he wants Israel reduced in every way. He has
turned against most US allies, incl. Czech Republic and Poland. His whole upbringing has been anti-US, anti-Semitic, anti-European and anti-Caucasian.
A leopard cannot and does not change its spots!
Alas, our congress is too timid or too well paid by the Saudis etc.
Tommy Peters says
C’mon Robert, you too! – I’m inclined to believe you’re prone to sitcoms. You can’t be that gullible to believe that a golfer / community organizer with a gift of the gab emerged out of Chicago to wield power over a thoroughbred Ashkenazi commando just because he is able to deliver a convincing ‘now-hear-this’ put down? Despite the seductive Kodak-moment, the blue-eyed Ashkenazi owns his house-negro. Period. Sink that in and your analysis and that of TOI will take another angle.
Mo says
A side note –
Aside from here, what would be a good website to keep up with what’s going on with this current battle? It would be helpful to get just plain facts with a minimum of editorializing.
Zaba says
Any of the mainstream Israeli press have current updates.
JPost, etc.
dumbledoresarmy says
There’s an Israeli blog called “This Ongoing War” which handily pulls together the updates from assorted Israeli mainstream news sites. They do commentary but they give all the links so you can then decide what you want to take a look at.
http://thisongoingwar.blogspot.com.au/
for the human-interest “view from the ground” (Israeli civilians) I have been going to “israeliminx” “Israellycool” and “A Soldier’s Mother”.’
http://israeliminx.wordpress.com/
http://www.israellycool.com/
http://israelisoldiersmother.blogspot.com.au/
They’re all very smart. Incidentally, Israeliminx has jihadwatch on her “blogroll” and has posted here (under a different moniker) from time to time.
I follow Jerusalem Post, Ynet, Israel National News (Arutz sheva) and Times of Israel.
The Comments to the articles are interesting. A LOT of Israelis – and a lot of those who read at Israel’s English-language news outlets – have got Islam’s number. Jihad, sharia, dhimmi/tude , jizya, treaty of Hudaybiyya, taqiyya – you’ll see those terms being knowledgeably used – by Jews from Israel, diaspora Jews from all over, and Anglophone posters of all non-Muslim backgrounds, from places as far away as India (quite a few pro-Israel posters in Comments on Israel’s news outlets, identify as Hindu or Sikh from India).
wildjew says
Mike Huckabee (on Fox) this morning said Obama’s moral equivalency between Israel and a terror organization is obscene (or some similar descriptive).
Evil doers sympathize with evil.
peterbrockley says
Tell Obama to go piss up a rope
Daniel Triplett says
The picture above would be funny if it wasn’t so disgraceful:
The dumbest state leader on the planet poking his finger into the chest of the smartest state leader on the planet.
I’d like to see PM Netanyahu break his finger.
el-cid says
The Obama administration is doing the bidding of Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
The current strategy is to destroy the reputation of Israel in the world–exactly aligned with Hamas. Any report from Hamas is instantly acknowledged and exaggerated by Obama.
A couple weeks ago it was to recognize Hamas as the legitimate government of the PA when they announced the “Unity” Government. The world started to see Hamas as legit rather than as an illegal terrorist organization.
Prior to that, Obama threatened that if Israel did not conform to the “peace” plan, there would be violence and isolation to follow signaling Hamas to act.
Hamas knows it has an ally in Washington–hence the confidence they show.
Daniel Triplett says
” The Nazis entered this war under the rather childish delusion that they were going to bomb everyone else, and nobody was going to bomb them. At Rotterdam, London, Warsaw and half a hundred other places, they put their rather naive theory into operation. They sowed the wind, and now they are going to reap the whirlwind. ”
” the aim of the Combined Bomber Offensive…should be unambiguously stated [as] the destruction of German cities, the killing of German workers, and the disruption of civilised life throughout Germany.
… the destruction of houses, public utilities, transport and lives, the creation of a refugee problem on an unprecedented scale, and the breakdown of morale both at home and at the battle fronts by fear of extended and intensified bombing, are accepted and intended aims of our bombing policy. They are not by-products of attempts to hit factories. ”
–Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Travers Harris, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of RAF Bomber Command (from early 1943 holding the rank of Air Chief Marshal) during the latter half of the Second World War
What happened? In this modern era of Twitter and YouTube, we’ve forgotten how to win wars.
Are we smarter than our grandfathers?
To think we’re going to win this war without killing civilians is naive and ignorant.
Daniel Triplett says
The problem is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.
The problem is Islam.
Bill says
Dan: you are absolutely correct. And, it is becoming more and more crystal-clear that there will not be a “smidgeon” of peace and stability in the Middle East and Africa and indeed the world without the military decimation of Islamicists like Hamas, The Brotherhood, Iran, ISIS, Hezbollah, Fatah, Islamic Jihad, al Qaeda, Hamas, Boko Haram…There is no other solution than to defeat them militarily.
Daniel Triplett says
Agreed Bill. Defeating Islam requires a military solution on a Biblical scale.
Time to use the big guns.
dumbledoresarmy says
Something to help cheer people up.
I was just looking at Israellycool, having mentioned him, and came across it.
Some good news from Holland. About a thousand or more pro-Israel Christians in the Netherlands held a big pro-Israel rally in Amsterdam. Video and lots of pix. And given how many mohammedans there are in the Netherlands, it takes courage for someone – a non-Jew, in a country infested with mohammedthugs – to take up the flag of Israel.
http://www.israellycool.com/2014/07/18/pro-israel-christians-rally-for-israel-in-amsterdam/
I hope that there will be many, many more such rallies, of equal or preferably much greater size, all over the Western world – and even beyond it, I would hope that pro-Israel Hindus and Sikhs might be able to hold a rally in India, and that the Philippines might see some pro-Israel rallies too.
Mo says
Thanks for the info, Zaba and Dumbledor’sArmy!
Zaba says
Very welcome, Mo!
israelstreet.org is a good, short, daily blog from Ashdod and S. Israel.
Check out the pic snapped over the bloggers house showing EIGHT missile interceptions.
http://israelstreet.org/?p=14532
Mo says
@ Zaba
Thanks. It was so sad to see that soldier’s photo. Just 20 years old, dead protecting his country from these savages.
I loathe Islam more each day.
Mirren10 says
You can send a care package to an Israeli soldier, here:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/support-israel-s-soldiers-now
Am Yisrael Chai !
martin says
put a bag over kerrys head hes just an idiot all our veterans hate this guy