Reading through UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Caroline Glick’s pointed analysis of it leaves little room for doubt that Israel did not obtain victory in this fight.
The shame of it is that victory could probably have been obtained quite easily. Or at least far more easily than in Israel’s previous wars.
You see, Israel did not need to conquer and hold territory, it did not even have to eliminate Hizb’allah or its infrastructure. All Israel had to do was employ a little something the Americans like to call “Shock & Awe”.
We saw a little bit of the effect such an approach can have in the opening days of this war, when the Arab nations and the international community, believing Israel had loosed all restraints, initially placed all blame on Hizb’allah and urged the terror group to just give Israel back its abducted soldiers and so end the fighting.
Had Israel built on that, had it immediately sent 20,000 troops roaring across southern Lebanon to the Litani, had it from the very hour after Hizb’allah’s unprovoked act of aggression unleashed an unprecedented aerial bombardment of Lebanon, then militarily defeating Hizb’allah would not have been necessary. The terror group, its sponsors, and its supporters would have been instilled with such fear that they would not have dared to attempt such an assault on Israel again for at least the next 10 years.
All Israel had to do to win this war was instill fear in Hizb’allah. It failed to do so. Only an elementary mind would even entertain the idea that Hizb’allah - still capable of raining death down on northern Israel and killing great numbers of IDF soldiers on the battlefield - views itself as having suffered a defeat. Only an elementary mind would believe Hizb’allah is now afraid to ever try such a thing again.
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12 comments so far ↓
1 Jeff // Aug 14, 2006 at 12:43 am
Invisible, imperceptible spirit powers control the course of kingdoms and rule republics. Men imagine that they are “responsible”, and that they control the destiny of nations. They are but puppets in unseen spiritual hands, who in turn, are also unconsciously performing the part assigned to them by Him Who overrules. He it is Who is guiding the universe to its appointed goal.
2 FERN SIDMAN // Aug 14, 2006 at 1:51 am
RESOLUTION FOR DISASTER
BY: FERN SIDMAN
In a matter of a few hours, the Israel Defense Forces will lay down their arms against the Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon in what the United Nations has termed a “cease fire”. UN resolution 1701 calls for an immediate halt to Hezbollah attacks and Israeli “offensive military action.” It further calls for the deployment of Lebanese Army forces in southern Lebanon together with UNIFIL forces. The resolution also calls upon the international community to extend financial and humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, though it makes no mention of the damages suffered by Israel.
Under the persuasion of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, the Israeli Cabinet unanimously approved the UN resolution, with the lone abstention of Transportation Minister Sha’ul Mofaz.
According to Arutz Sheva (8/13/06), “the cease fire has already faced much domestic criticism in Israel. It does not meet the two stated objectives of Israel’s offensive in Lebanon: The release of the kidnapped soldiers and the disarming of Hezbollah.”
Former Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom of the Likud has stinging criticism of the ceasefire plan being formulated in the United Nations. He calls it a “disgrace” and a “historic tragedy.”
Speaking with Voice of Israel Radio on Friday morning, Minister Shalom said if the UN proposal is accepted, “Israel’s position would be worse than it was at the beginning of the war: It does not call for a large multi-national force in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah would not be disarmed, and a parallel is made between our abducted soldiers and murderous Lebanese terrorists held by Israel such as Samir Kuntar.”
“It could even be,” Shalom said, “that Syria might conclude that it can get the Golan Heights back by sending over some missiles to Israel.”
Shalom’s party colleague, former Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Yuval Shteinitz, took an even stronger stance. If Israel accepts this “shameful” cease fire, Shteinitz said Friday morning, “the government must resign and new elections must be held.”
The Lebanese Cabinet has also approved the cease fire resolution, however according to CNN, (8/13/06), “The two Hezbollah members of the Lebanese Cabinet said Saturday the militia wanted to keep its weapons south of the Litani River — a zone the U.N. resolution calls for demilitarizing. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah indicated that the two Hezbollah ministers voted for it in a spirit of national unity. The Lebanese Cabinet planned to meet Sunday to discuss implementing the plan, but then postponed the meeting for up to two days. A Lebanese government minister said the postponement came at the request of parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, a key negotiator with Hezbollah, to give government officials more time to discuss the plan with Hezbollah.” Hassan Nasrallah has stated unequivocally that Hezbollah forces will continue to conduct attacks as long as the Israeli army is on Lebanese soil.
Israel has maintained that its troops will remain in Lebanon until the Lebanese army and the international peacekeepers arrive to secure the buffer zone. According to news reports, that could take up to 7-10 days. Plenty of time for Hezbollah to regroup and rearm and come back with even more ferocity than it has already displayed. This war is far from over, but for the time being it is Hezbollah who can bask in the glory of victory.
It is clear that the leadership of the Israeli government has failed miserably in executing a military strategy that can ensure an Israeli victory over Hezbollah. Since the beginning of this conflict on July 12th, the flip flop, schizophrenic Olmert government has spoken loudly but has carried a small twig. Throughout this conflict Olmert had promised the people of Israel that the Jewish State would implement every measure to disarm Hezbollah and push their forces north of the Litani River in Lebanon. Let us review the inexplicable events of the last week. At the beginning of the week, the Israeli Cabinet voted to expand its ground offensive. Immediately subsequent to that vote, Olmert announced that the offensive would be delayed to allow for diplomatic measures to be taken. Hours before the UN vote on Friday, August 11th, the Olmert government switched gears once again and unleashed the 30,000 Israeli troops in Lebanon.
Even the media is in a quandary as to exactly what Israel’s strategy is and are collectively questioning the wisdom behind such erratic changes in policy. Hezbollah has declared victory over the “invincible” Israeli army, and rightfully so. This week alone Hezbollah has killed over 65 Israeli soldiers with the heaviest loss coming yesterday, with the killing of 24 Israeli soldiers and hundreds wounded. Over the last week, Hezbollah has launched over 160 Katyusha rocket attacks every single day aimed at northern Israel with the heaviest coming today with the launching of over 200 rockets, crippling the city of Haifa and surrounding areas. Thus far, 143 Israeli have been killed, while over 1000 have been wounded.
And while the world watches, the inept, confused and terrified Israeli government hands a monumental victory over to Hezbollah on a silver platter. The Olmert government is one that not only has failed to protect its citizens, to disarm Hezbollah terrorists, and to secure the release of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers, it is one that is determined to herald a new era of more Israeli deaths as it emboldens Hezbollah through its cowardice and obsequious rhetoric. Even the banner headline of yesterday’s left leaning HaAretz newspaper stated that “Olmert Must Go”.
It is clear that the government of Israel had no real and clear plan to ensure victory for Israel. It is clear that Olmert’s words and actions were not in sync. It is clear that the hesitation and indecisiveness of the Israeli government’s military strategy has paved the way to more destruction and much greater danger for the Israeli populace and military. It has admitted defeat because of its fear of world opinion and its inability, at the beginning of this conflict, to call for a massive ground offensive.
Weeks went by and despite Israeli air strikes, there was no clear indication that Hezbollah forces had been dramatically weakened. This war was handled by a bunch of amateurs and now Israel is paying the price. The legendary reputation of the Israeli army as a incredible and accomplished fighting force has been eradicated and thus has lost the respect of the world. What once was is no more, but what could have been was never realized because of a government that lacks the fortitude and temerity to call for bold actions. The government of Israel has acquiesced to its greatest nemesis, fear of world opinion.
It is a government that would rather see over a million of its citizens living in bomb shelters for over a month, to see its villages, towns and cities be rapidly destroyed and the lives of its people be thrown into total chaos. And so we stand humiliated and defeated as our enemies celebrate the impending downfall of “the Zionist entity” as they call it.
At this dark and painful moment in the history of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, it behooves us to pause and reflect on some profound words. Words that were spoken decades ago, words of vision and foresight, words of warning, that tragically were never heeded.
Rabbi Meir Kahane, ZTK”L, of blessed memory stated the following: “It may affect the tender soul of the more spiritually intellectual among us, but one can never attain peace or security by ‘compromise’ with bitter enemies who have no intentions of compromising with you” (Our Challenge, 1974, p. 32)
And to those who want this conflict to end without destroying those forces who seek our annihilation, and to those who seek peace through bogus cease fires, we must remember these words: “But the Arab problem will not go away, because the very existence of the Jewish State creates it” (Rabbi Meir Kahane, They Must Go, 1981, p. 8)
And Rabbi Kahane in his incredible vision also stated, “The most fundamental obligation of government - the source of its legitimacy and right to rule over the people - is its responsibility to guarantee the lives and safety of its citizens. If it either cannot or will not fulfill that obligation, it faces the loss of its moral and legal authority” (Israel: Revolution or Referendum?, 1990, p. 95)
And the question that is at the very core of this conflict is as follows: “Is it not legitimate to challenge an Authority which is either unable or unwilling to put an end to a terror that takes the lives of its citizens and that threatens the very existence of the state?” (Rabbi Meir Kahane, Israel: Revolution of Referendum?. 1990, p. 110)
Let us clearly and unequivocally announce to the leaders of the State of Israel that: “In the name of ‘peace’ there would be no Jewish state; in the name of ‘morality’ there would be no Jewish nation” (Rabbi Meir Kahane, Our Challenge, 1974, p. 33)
Now is the time to appeal to the Almighty G-d of Israel, to beseech the Master of the Universe with our fervent and heartfelt prayers for our survival as a people and as nation. Now is the time to plead with the Almighty that he infuse our leaders with the courage and strength it takes to destroy our enemies and may He reveal His strength, His glory and His majesty for all the world to see.
And may we never forget these words: “If Jewish weakness in the eyes of the nation - if Jewish weakness is proof of G-d’s non-existence, then how do we prove to the nations that the G-d of Israel is indeed the One G-d? And not only is He not impotent, and not only exists, but He is G-d? Surely, by Jewish victory, Jewish strength” (Rabbi Kahane’s last speech, November 5, 1990)
3 William A. Payne III // Aug 14, 2006 at 5:00 am
When the Lord said, “It’s not by power and it’s not by might, but by My Spirit saids the Lord I now know what He means. There is no way the Lord will allow Israel the apple of His eye to be humiliated before the nations of this evil world. I know and understand this prayer closet and the power of prayer. Hang tight Israel. Bill
4 Marsha Carol Watson // Aug 14, 2006 at 5:03 am
Ryan, as you pour your heart out on paper and in prayer, our Heavenly Father is shaking the enemies of Israel. I feel this in my spirit. God is never early—God is never late—God is ALWAYS ON TIME…..Look for Him to Act on this crisis, as only He can and will accomplish a Victory for Israel….How…I have absolutely no idea, but I have Faith in God. He has proved HImself over and over to those who love Him from generation to generation…..He will not Fail, because He cannot Fail. “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay.”
Heavenly Father, in the name of our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ, we lay this at your Feet. We trust You to move Victoriously for Israel however you see fit. We ask that you touch the hearts of those who are in authority, and if it could be Your will, please Father God, give them the Courage to step down and place the person(s) into place who can “bring Israel a great victory” so that the entire world will once again see and know that Israel has a God that is above all other Gods, and Israel’s God sent the Victory so the world will again have to declare: Whomever Israel believes in must have great power, because He brought VICTORY AT THE MIDNIGHT HOUR!”
marsha
5 Ryan Jones // Aug 14, 2006 at 7:27 am
Marsha,
Thank you for your note. It was encouraging. And I believe you are absolutely right - He will bring victory in this situation somehow. Perhaps its good that it happened this way. Israel cannot now realistically claim victory by power of its own arms - it will only come through Higher Power.
Israel does need to be brought to a point where it relies on Him, and not its mighty army. I know this, but its still painful to watch Israel be brought to its knees.
6 AlanR // Aug 14, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Hello Fern,
But if you can’t say it in 250 words, I won’t read it — you are beyond making one point. I listen to Iran President interview by American Mike Wallace — no hard questions — and he just permitted Iran pres to speak aimlessly and not make a real point. it must be the way of the eastern Med countries — to say a lot of words without saying anything.
It was time earlier in this fight for freedom from gangsters and thugs that hide behind women — for “Carpet Bombing” whatever happened to the Dresden type bombing that the B-52’s dropped in WW-2? This was a place for it.
7 FRANK // Aug 14, 2006 at 11:25 pm
Gods word says “The oracle concerning Damascus. Behold, Damascus is aboput to be removed from being a city, and it will become a fallen ruin.” Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and this hasen’t happened in the past so….
“In that day the Egyptians will become like women, and they will tremble and be in dread because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He is going to wave over them. And the land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt; everyone to whom it is mentioned will be in dread of it because of the purpose of the LORD of hosts which He is purposing against them.”
“And I will lay My vengeance on Edom (Jordan) by the hand of My people Israel. Therefore, they will act in Edom according to My anger and according to My wrath; thus they will know My vengeance,” declares the LORD GOD.
These days are coming soon so be prepared and look up for our redemption draws near!!!
8 Jeannette // Aug 14, 2006 at 11:47 pm
It is the true MESSIAH who will win anything that is being fought in this world. We humans are but that, humans. JESUS CHRIST is The Righteous KING, and HE and only HE will deicde the outcome of all of this, in HIS own time. Meanwhile, governments and leaders plot and scheme. They are only allowed to exist for HIS purposes and for a limited time. “Why do the Gentiles rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, again the LORD, and aginst HIS annointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. HE that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision. Then shall HE speak unto them in HIS wrath, and vex them in HIS sore displeasure. Yet have I set my King upon my Holy Hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for they possission. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the SON, lest HE be angry, and ye perish from the way, when HIS wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in HIM> Psalms 1.
Get ready, world!
9 Jeannette // Aug 15, 2006 at 12:14 am
The Psalm of the King is Psalms 2. It would benefit anyone to read Psalms 1 also.
10 Nathan // Aug 17, 2006 at 12:00 am
two words - carpet bombing.
11 Bert // Aug 22, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Yea it could have been easy, but not quite the way you suggest.
A little more strategy, and psycological warefare is required.
You make a good point about shock&awe. However you miss it when you talk about bombing. They did plenty of this. But lots of troops would have truly shaken them. It gives a different message.
Troops say “IT IS ON - show me your gun, I am going to shoot you in your eye in front of your family - because I am pissed!”
Bombs just say “some guy in my government is upset - I’m gonna blow up your car, house, and TV - then go home for dinner”.
The threat of loosing EVERYTHING in a fair fight is what the Jihadi’s fear - humiliation. Of course the fight would not be fair because there would be air support. That’s war.
In reality it would not matter what you do to Hisbollah. They would always claim victory - they are so starved for self-respect. However, they do hate fighting like rats. Still you will have to lure them into comming out of hidding with the promise of an epic battle.
Then when they occupy a town ready to snipe at thousands of troops from houses they take over, you lay waste to the entire town - good bye Hisbollah.
Their egos make this possible. Isreal did not think it through. You knew this when they talked about pushing Hisbo back out of the range of their short range missiles. Where is the logic in that?
The big question is if 10,000 Hisbollah soldiers took over a town to snipe at advancing troops would Isreal destroy them all? What if they brought their wives and children with them?
Would/could Isreal destroy 10,000 Hisbollah soldiers with certainty, if it meant also killing 15,000 wives and children?
12 Charles Wesley // Aug 26, 2006 at 1:26 am
Zechariah 14 verse 12 explains how to deal with those pesky ground hogs that shoot you in the back from holes in the ground. In fact I think that is what is going to happen to Damascus. Neutron bombs would kill people in holes or buildings with out the residual radiation. This would be the only nuclear option that would be practical for Israel’s survival due to such close quarters.The neutron bomb causes so little residual radiation that I am afraid someone will use it. Israel would have no choice if they want to survive. And who knows what Russia sold to Iran?
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