The following is a contradictory approach to Gaza, from a hawkish perspective:
- Any comprehensive military operation – should be postponed until after the election, barring extreme developments. The response to rocket fire on Gaza-area communities must be the same as a rocket attack on Tel Aviv, Israel's southern residents have justifiably shouted. The opposite is also true. We haven't launched a war thus far and we won't do so now because a rocket hit the Sharon region. After the election, bereaved families of the fallen and wounded will more readily accept that an operation was ordered free of political and personal interests, devoid of pressure from groups on WhatsApp, Facebook and various political rivals.
- The enemy cannot be allowed to dictate the national agenda. The missile that was fired at the Sharon region was an entirely predictable "election terror attack." Although Islamic Jihad pulled the trigger, the orders came from Tehran. The Iranians, who are operating in our area through Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have a clear interest in presenting the Netanyahu government as weak, in order to topple it and its leader.
- The prime minister was right to shorten his trip to the United States and return to Israel. The decision was mostly for show – but a necessary show. In my estimation, he could have stayed in the U.S. rather than allow Hamas to disrupt his visit but, facing a contrarian press, there appeared to be little recourse.
In retrospect, there are also benefits: The prime minister "isn't ignoring the public's feelings." From home, after convening the relevant security forums, he will manage and explain Israel's response.
- As part of the response leading up to the election on April 9, Israel must gradually reinstate the policy of targeted assassinations against terrorist leaders. We must also target terrorist operatives in the field, who on a daily basis approach the Gaza border fence under the guise of protesters. To this end, there is no need to cross the border with tanks and soldiers. We can exploit our technological advantage for pinpoint attacks from the air, not just against weapons warehouses but against terrorist units.
- And what will happen after the election? Although segments of the Left will continue pushing for the transfer of Gaza to the control of Mahmoud Abbas, this option should be rejected outright. Our soldiers are not a spear for the Palestinian Authority and PLO. The scope of the PA's leadership should not be expanded, as it already causes us enough problems with the terrorists it harbors and encourages with money.
The ideal solution is the restoration of Israeli control over Gaza, as constituted prior to the Oslo Accords and a return to the days when women from Netivot shopped in Khan Younis and the residents of Gush Katif received their driver's licenses in Rafah. Until, of course, the warriors for peace and the dreamers came along and welcomed Yasser Arafat and his armed regiments from Tunisia.
