Dr. Aaron Lerner is co-founder of IMRA, Independent Media Review and Analysis, an Israel-based news organization which provides an extensive digest of media, polls and significant interviews and events relating to the Israeli-Arab conflict. imra@netvision.net.il
Is Israel properly preparing for the morning after Annapolis?
By Dr. Aaron Lerner
November 22, 2007 Bookmark to del.icio.us
Is Israel properly preparing for the morning after Annapolis?
The IDF certainly has had considerable time to map out the details of the operation that developments in the Gaza Strip -- literally a terror state with a military capability dangerously growing with each passing day -- leave Israel with no choice but to carry out.
Sure, Israeli security forces have the equipment and the training to do the job.
But are the lawyers on board?
Consider the Philadelphi Corridor.
There is no question that the only way to possibly stop the flood of weapons, explosives and movement of terrorists between Egypt and Gaza is to retake the Philadelphi Corridor. Egypt either won't or can't do the job.
But restoring Israeli control to the narrow shooting gallery wedged between Egypt and the Gaza Strip means possibly paying an ongoing daily cost in Israeli casualties. And as losses pile up, internal domestic pressure to leave despite the foreseeable consequences could lead to a repeat of the disastrous evacuation.
Significantly distancing the Palestinian population from the Philadelphi Corridor to prevent this scenario is readily achievable from both a military and engineering standpoint.
The problem is the lawyers and possibly access to a checkbook.
Israel can't start bulldozing blocks of buildings next to the Philadelphi Corridor if the lawyers haven't done their homework so that injunctions and other legal actions don't stop the operation in its tracks.
The checkbook? While Israel may not be legally required to compensate the people either residing in, or owning, the buildings being bulldozed, it could turn out that the lawyers conclude that a quick and dirty pay-off compensating the affected Palestinian civilians is advisable.
The lawyers are also needed in order to support rules of engagement that minimize Israeli casualties as the operation faces the challenge of an enemy force well versed in the exploitation of human shields.
Yes. Israeli security forces can do the job that has to be done.
And the law is on their side.
Are the lawyers?
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