As Long as it Takes

What will happen in the Gaza Strip when the war ends has been a topic for discussion since not long after the war began. Benny Gantz gave up his cabinet position due to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s failure/inability/refusal (pick one) to share his plan for “the day after”. When it first came up, it occurred to me that we should first deal with the pressing issues at hand – eliminating Hamas and freeing our hostages. What happens next should be just that – next. If, however, it is an issue to address, I am inclined to agree with what journalist Ruthie Blum said in a panel discussion on the subject: Israel should remain in Gaza until further notice.

     In all the years since we retreated from the Strip, we have known nothing but terror attacks. Withdrawal will mean more of the same. We have no evidence that this time will be different. Allowing some foreign power to police the area has been shown to be, at best, ineffective. That we would require the IDF to maintain a presence there will rekindle memories of the days before August 2005, when we withdrew forces (and civilians) from Gaza. Friends who served there in their tours of reserve duty would lament the circumstances – they felt like sitting ducks waiting to be attacked; they were not comfortable with how they were forced to treat the civilian population, even though they recognized the threat they posed. Indeed, this was part of the argument that led to support for the retreat from Gaza. 

      This time around, it would have to be different. There would need to be zero tolerance of any kind of threat. The question, “Really, because of a balloon that sets fire to a field you’re going to respond militarily, endangering our soldiers?” needs to be answered with an emphatic “yes”. The lines would need to be clearly marked and maintained.

   For the record, The United States Dept. of Defence also maintains this position. In late June 1967, the State Dept. requested a report from the Pentagon: Based solely on military and security issues, from where could Israel withdraw from lands captured in the Six Day War in order to come to a peace agreement with the Arabs. The Joint Chiefs of Staff responded with what is known as The Pentagon Plan. It states that while there are areas of Judea- Samaria and the Golan Heights from where Israel could pull back, maintaining control of the Gaza Strip would “be to Israel’s military advantage.” Gaza, they point out, provides opportunity “for the introduction of Arab subversion and terrorism.”   

     Given the current circumstances, if anyone at the Pentagon – or anywhere else – has reason to suggest that this assessment is no longer relevant, now would be a good time to share.

   Until then, as long as it takes to make the Gaza Strip no longer a threat to Israel – that is how long we should be there.