As a result, they have been working to strengthen the extremists throughout the region, who share their desire to hit America and Israel. In all probability, they are merely waiting for the opportune moment with which to set in motion the next provocative act, which will be aimed at igniting the entire Middle East.
How should Israel react to this growing threat?
First, it must learn the lesson of this summer’s Lebanon war, which ended as it did precisely because Israel had sat back and allowed its enemies to build up their military infrastructure over time.
Instead of making this same mistake once again, Israel should take whatever steps are necessary to interdict weapons shipments to the terrorists, seal off their supply routes, and hit hard at those who are sending them the weapons in the first place.
Second, the government needs to begin seriously contemplating the possibility of launching preemptive and wide-ranging military strikes. Israel’s foes are openly preparing for war, so why should Israel allow them the luxury to choose when it starts?
Passivity and indecisiveness cost Israel dearly in the past, and especially in Lebanon this summer. Israelis cannot allow themselves to play by the enemy’s rules, or even by his schedule, should this scenario once again come to pass.
I truly hope that I am wrong, and that diplomacy and common sense will somehow prevail. The last thing Israel needs right now is another painful conflict, and we should all pray to God for His mercy and intervention.
But as in the past, our enemies may leave us with no other choice but to fight. This time around, let’s just make sure we are ready for the challenge.
