The battle in Gaza isn't over yet. The cabinet decided that there is no operational or political logic behind occupying the entire Gaza Strip, and the Israel Defense Forces has been preparing in kind. Although our task is fully underway and Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israel, it's not too soon to draw some fundamental conclusions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz and most Diplomatic-Security Cabinet members have led the battle reasonably, intelligently and with determination. Pure logic has overcome anger and vengeance -- the natural emotional response of somebody who lost their dear child underground in these war tunnels, or somebody who has been forced to absorb the relentless onslaught of rocket fire. The prime minister was a veritable protective edge against cynical and manipulative ministers, who tried to generate political capital during times of war. Ministers who played on demotic heartstrings for temporary gain. The combination of calculated military force with realistic political vision has developed a new reality in the Middle East, carving out a place for hope. Before the Six-Day War, Israelis were concerned that the "espresso generation" would lack the prowess to fight the enemy armies. But within six days it turned out that the IDF's troops fought like lions and changed the course of Jewish history. As Operation Protective Edge approached, there were already those eulogizing the army, speaking of a decline in motivation, a lack of willingness to serve, urging the elite 8200 intelligence unit to develop a start-up app for citizenship. Very quickly, the naysayer concerns were debunked, for IDF soldiers proved their dedication, bravery and professionalism. Fearless warriors don't abandon their comrades. Upon encountering terrorists face-to-face, they overcome the enemy. Brigades and battalion commanders marched ahead of their warriors to battle, setting a personal example, reminding each and every one of us the true meaning of, "after me." Some of them were wounded and returned home. Hospitals assigned security guards to prevent the wounded from fleeing their gurneys to return to their friends on the battlefield. The number of fallen soldiers proves that the IDF is still the nation's army, beloved and respected. Among the fallen were residents of Tel Aviv, kibbutznikim, the religious and new immigrants. Most of Israeli society has come to realize, through much pain and hardship, that the peace racket was simply pernicious delirium. The peace that Uri Avnery, Shimon Peres, A.B. Yehoshua, Amos Oz and their friends were vending was overpriced. It's cheaper to purchase that peace in Bangkok. After the sirens rang and the shrapnel fell in Tel Aviv, even the staunchest leftists realized that the battle was not over Ariel and Beit El, but over our very right to exist in our historic homeland. I believe Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' son when he states loud and clear that he intends to return to his family's home in Safed. His statement is rooted in what he's heard at home, at his mosque, his school and summer camp. The professors in Tel Aviv must grasp that the real battle is over Sheikh Yunis, the Arab village where Ramat Aviv was established and the university built, over Hirbat Azun (Raanana) and the kibbutzim of Hashomer Hatzair, the lands of which were also former Arab villages. Jews have always and will always long for peace. Modern history proved that the extended hand of peace was never met by an extended hand on the other side. Peace will only be achieved under one condition: when the Arabs around us realize that we have no intention of abandoning our homeland. Jews are not crusaders in the land of Israel. They have returned home till the end of time. And they will not leave this home, especially as there is nowhere to go to. This also entails continuous fighting, valor and bravery, even if the road ahead is long and arduous.
Our society's winning combo
מערכת ישראל היום
מערכת "ישראל היום“ מפיקה ומעדכנת תכנים חדשותיים, מבזקים ופרשנויות לאורך כל שעות היממה. התוכן נערך בקפדנות, נבדק עובדתית ומוגש לציבור מתוך האמונה שהקוראים ראויים לעיתונות טובה יותר - אמינה, אובייקטיבית ועניינית.
