One gets awfully tired of narratives. The argument over the present conflict in Israel and Gaza is an Israeli defense against rocket attacks from Hamas. The narrative is utterly ridiculous. As was the case in Lebanon, Israeli’s action was premeditated. That doesn’t make it right, wrong, or indifferent, but spontaneous defense it surely is not. Such is not to say that spontaneity is a requirement of defense, but if we are going to be making evaluations over this, we might as well start working from a common set of facts. It is not merely enough to say that Israel claims a defense against rocket attacks, Israel was hit with rocket attacks, ergo Israel’s claim of self defense should be taken at face value.
I will leave to wiser men than I to attempt to mediate the disputes Israel has. Each side has interests that will have to be worked out. I can however condemn rocket attacks. (I’m also against child abuse for what it’s worth.) I can also condemn dropping bombs in civilian centers with the result being the deaths of hundreds. One can also condemn the bombing of an active worship site. (Sure one can come up with scenarios where it may be licit, but, in the scope of attack options, aerial bombardment does not even offer the pretense of attempting to preserve that which is sacred while extricating evil.)
I’m not sure I really care about anyone’s definition of proportion if it involves over 270 dead in 7 days to “protect” from 7 dead in two years from rocket attacks in a population over 5 million. As I would likewise condemn the daily shootings in Milwaukee, I will also go out on a limb and say bombing Milwaukee would be a gross injustice, be it by the State of Wisconsin or any other entity empowered to promote justice and the general welfare. And the most sickening part of this whole charade is that many of Israel’s defenders do not believe Israel has an obligation of justice to the Palestinians.
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