Monday, January 19, 2009

Are Israeli Attacks on Civilians Accidental?

“In South Lebanon we struck the civilian population consciously, because they deserved it…the importance of Gur’s remarks is the admission that the Israeli Army has always struck civilian populations, purposely and consciously…the Army, he said, has never distinguished civilian [from military] targets…[but] purposely attacked civilian targets even when Israeli settlements had not been struck.” — Israeli military analyst, Ze’ev Schiff (Haaretz, May 15, 1978). Link.

There is a rationalle for the above sentiment. Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban explained:

"there was a rational prospect, ultimately fulfilled, that affected populations would exert pressure for the cessation of hostilities." Link.

In light of these comments, what should we make of the incidents described below.

A ship attempting to bring humanitarian aid is rammed by the Israeli Navy in international waters. Israel charges that they were involved with terrorist activities. An onboard CNN reporter and former U.S. rep Cynthia McKinney, who was also aboard, call these charges misinformation.

Israel bombs a UN School. Israel claims militants were launching shells from the school. The UN claims there were no militants at the school.

100 civilians herded into home, which is subsequently shelled.

Water supplies cut off. Sewage systems damaged.

Israel destroys UN food storage facility.

Israel engaging in chemical warfare in Gaza.

If this isn't accidental, how is it different from what Osama bin Laden did?

2 comments:

DagoodS said...

Not to mention habeas corpus circumvented by Guantanamo Bay.

DagoodS said...

Whoops! Wrong entry