Israel and Gaza in context

The questions Oz asks seem valid, and the vast majority of (Jewish) Israelis apparently think they are. He also says the IDF actions are “excessive” and is in favor of ending the blockade. It seems equally valid that some Gazans consider launching rockets at Israel an appropriate response to the silent but crippling violence of the blockade.

Disproportionate action and collective punishment have long been Israel’s MO against Palestinians. Support of an IDF offensive with the qualification that it be of an appropriate intensity would likely be considered naive, particularly with someone like Netanyahu in charge, if it came from someone other than the thoughtful, realistic “peacenik.” I am not sure what to make of it.

The calculus of showing Gazans the consequences of electing Hamas is probably at work. Oz does allude to it in how he distinguishes the outcome in West Bank of the agreement with Abbas that he recommends. It would make Gazans “jealous,” he says.

Amos Oz: ‘Lose-lose situation for Israel’