David Miller Online
Israel’s Response to Terror: New Tactics, Same Results
In the wake of the two suicide bombings that have occurred in Jerusalem and Haifa over the past few days, it is almost
as if there is a sense of déjà vu concerning the situation in the Middle East and an increased pessimism that the
violence cannot be halted.
As with the attack on a popular Tel Aviv nightclub two months ago, the bombers have targeted Israeli civilians and
following the blasts Israel promptly launched its retaliatory strikes. However, in this round of response action, Israel
has adopted a new tactic and seized a number of Palestinian buildings, including Orient House in East Jerusalem.
Orient House is the unofficial headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization in a city that it regards as its
capital and it is a symbol of Palestinian aspirations for an independent state. By raising the Israeli flag atop of it,
Israel is not only punishing the Palestinians for the latest bombings but is also sending out the message that it can
limit, even cease, any Palestinian political representation in the disputed city. Although it is an effective tactic, it
is doubtful that in the long term it will succeed.
By taking over Orient House, Israel is telling the Palestinians that their political goals cannot be advanced in the
wake of the continuing violence. Throughout this cycle of violence, the Israeli government has laid the blame for the
violence at the door of Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority and this represents one method in which they can
enforce that view.
As well as this, the building seizures are also a way for Israel to extend its control over East Jerusalem.
It is not clear how long Israel plans to hold these buildings, but if it transpires that this is a plan to limit or
remove Palestinian political representation and presence from Jerusalem then it is an effective policy. The
international community does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the eastern part of the city, even though it is
regarded by Israel as its capital and the status of the city is the most contentious issue between the two sides and
neither side is prepared to give way.
The seizure therefore becomes a way in which Israel can extend its influence by stealth and gradually push the
Palestinians back to the occupied territories. There is talk of Israel dismantling the Palestinian Authority completely
and re-occupying the entire West bank and Gaza Strip once again.
At present this remains speculation, however as Israel’s government is dominated by hardliners, it is definitely a
possible step if no solution can be found. Even if there is a settlement it may not include facilities such as Orient
House and therefore even if peace prevails, the Palestinians are even further away from their dream of a capital in East
Jerusalem.
While this new policy is not likely to draw the levels of international condemnation that selective assassination or the
use of F-16 fighter jets have, it is nevertheless unlikely to deter future suicide bombings or terrorist attacks on the
Israeli people, which they are in response to.
Even if Israel cracks down harder on Mr. Arafat’s leadership and increases their demand that he bring the extremists to
heel, they are unlikely to make gains in terms of their security.
I expressed this view the last time I wrote on the Middle East and I have seen nothing that has shaken this. I still
believe that no matter what tactic Israel adopts, this is a war it cannot win unless it bites a very bitter pill and
agrees to be the first seated at the negotiating table.
I do not say this because of any particular political view or bias, but due to my reading of the current situation and
the way it is developing. Even if those measures mentioned above materialise, Israeli civilians will be still be in
close proximity to their Arab neighbours and thus vulnerable to terrorist attack.
The only option open to Israel would be to seal its borders entirely, however if it still maintains a presence in the
occupied territories then this is not a practical alternative. The threat of terrorism will remain.
This conflict has demonstrated that even in the 21st Century, terrorism is a very effective weapon. It requires little
cost along with minimal planning as there is never any shortage of soft targets and therefore the chance that the strike
is effective is heightened, especially the case if those perpetrating it are willing to die and become martyrs.
The Palestinian extremist movements, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, do not appear to have a shortage of people willing
to die for the cause and if their death is accompanied by the deaths of several Israelis then they will always feel that
it was mission accomplished.
No matter how hard Israel cracks down on the Palestinian people or ruling cliché, it will not be able to prevent such
attacks by these extremists.
Even if the situation is returned to the days before the Oslo negotiations took place, the Israeli people will not be
safe. It is perhaps the cruellest of catch 22 situations to be faced with, but a sense of reality must prevail.
If Israel does make the huge step and declares it will go to the negotiating table then all the pressure is firmly on
Mr. Arafat to do the same and not only halt the attacks but also to produce a compromise. The alternative is that peace
will be lost forever. After all, what deterrent do you have against an enemy who is not afraid to die?
ENDS