Success of Israeli Withdrawal Dependent on Conti gency Response.

Submitted by Richard Brooks (United States), Aug 15, 2005 at 13:55

The longer term success or failure of the Gaza withdrawal will depend not only on the Palestinians' response but on the counter response of Israel. One would expect responsible leadership to have considered contingent responses.

In short this withdrawal may be a case of either appeasement which will result in abject failure in the longer term, or of giving the Palestinians more rope with which to hang themselves.

The withdrawal at best may be a shrewd tactical withdrawal. Should violence result Israel has better borders (militarily) to defend, and a better political defense for a militarily strong and more decisive response. These may be longer term gains for both parties.

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