I think there are a couple of things working here William. First and foremost is the desire of the Bush administration to make things cool down a bit on the northern border of Israel.
The admin gave Israel cover time in the beggining to gear up because they were obvously caught napping up there.
Second, I think Israel made a big mistake giving back the Gaza strip because there will never be a time when Palistinians won't want to kill Jews so giving them land for peace was a big mistake and they are reeling from this huge blunder.
Having to go to war in the north and having a need to gain control of the Gaza is something they need some help with right now. Buying them some much needed breathing space in order to reposition their forces was a good tactical move, Condi is just getting the heat for looking diplomatic. Condi is no softy, I like her because she thinks things through and can play the piano too! (I have so much admiration for her abilities)
Israel as you know doesn't have much room to manuever either militarily or politically so they need good leadership and I'm not so sure Mr Olmert is up to the job but let's give him the benefit of the doubt for right now. I'm behind Israel all the way but they have a tough row to hoe and they have to do it throughly covering all their bases. God be with them!
Excellent points, Jennifer. I don't necessarily agree that Olmert should stay even for the short term, and I think his days and the days of like-minded Knesset members are numbered. Israel cannot afford to be seen as wobbly in their resolve to fight for their survival. If the surrounding Islamic sharks smell blood in the water and sense weakness, they'll never let up.
Israel has to show the world, and especially the surrounding Islamic nations, that she has the resolve and the guts not only do defend herself, but also to reach out and strike her enemies. Olmert and the IDF commanders shot Israel in the foot this time. They can't afford to do it again.
I'm praying for Israel too, Jennifer.
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