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Subscribe to RSSThe Gaza strip – Israeli border -- a border rarely at peace, is moving closer to war. Mortar fire from Syria hit an Israeli army base in the Golan Heights over the weekend. Israel retaliated by targeting Syrian artillery. NBC's John Ray reports.
Israel's army fired tank shells into Syria on Monday and scored "direct hits" on “Syrian mobile artillery” in response to a Syrian mortar shell that struck the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, the Israeli military said in a statement.
It was the second time in two days that Israel has responded to what it said was errant Syrian fire. On Sunday the military said it had a fired a "warning shot" across the disengagement line, while on Monday it said it had fired back at "the source".
The Syrian shell landed on Monday in an open area of the Golan Heights without causing any damage or injuries. It was not immediately clear if anyone was hit by the Israeli response.
The strikes on Sunday and Monday were the first direct shots Israel has taken at Syria since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. It comes amid increased rocket fire from Gaza over the past few days.
PhotoBlog: Syrians flee into Turkey after Syrian plane bombs border town
Israel has feared that the instability in Syria over the past 19 months could spill across the border, particularly as President Bashar Assad's grip on power grows increasingly precarious. It has little love for Assad, who has provided refuge and support to Israel's bitterest enemies through the years. But the Syrian leader — and his father before him — have kept the frontier quiet for nearly four decades, providing a rare source of stability in the volatile region.
In recent weeks, incidents of errant fire from Syria have multiplied, leading Israel to warn that it holds Syria responsible. Israeli officials believe most of the fire has come from Syrian government forces, although they think it has been inadvertent and not been aimed at Israel.
Israel drawn into Syria conflict, fires missile across
U.N. complaint
After responding to Sunday's mortar strike, the Israeli military moved quickly to defuse tensions.
"We understand this was a mistake and was not meant to target Israel, and then that is why we fired a warning shot in retaliation," said Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich, a military spokeswoman. Defense officials said an anti-tank missile was fired, and there were no reports of casualties in Syria.
The Israeli military also said it filed a complaint through United Nations forces operating in the area, stating that "fire emanating from Syria into Israel will not be tolerated and shall be responded to with severity."
Ann Curry
Ann Curry photographs Syrian rebels and others affected by the conflict.
Israeli defense officials said the incident was not considered a serious military threat, but Israel felt the need to respond in order to set clear limits for the Syrians.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Israeli defense forces have been instructed "to prevent the battles from spilling over into our territory."
Nineteen months of fighting and the mounting chaos engulfing the Assad regime have already shaken the region, spilling into Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. The entry of Israel into the fighting would take the violence to a new level. Although Israel has a more powerful military, both countries have air forces and significant arsenals of tanks, missiles and other weapons. Israel is especially concerned about Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons.
An Israeli war on Syria could also draw in Syria's ally, Hezbollah, further destabilizing the region. Hezbollah, which possesses tens of thousands of rockets and missiles, battled Israel to a stalemate during a month-long war in 2006.
Soft-spoken preacher Mouaz al-Khatib is chosen to lead new united Syrian opposition
For Assad, a war with Israel could bring the end of his teetering regime. Israeli officials have said for months that it is only a matter of time before he is ousted.
Thousands have fled violence in Syria in the last 24 hours, with many Syrian refugees now sheltering in Turkish camps. In his latest interview, Syrian President Assad says his army is trying to avoid civilian deaths. NBC's John Ray reports.
Fears of multi-front battle
The Israeli air force has repeatedly demonstrated its superiority over Assad's outdated military, buzzing his residence in one famous instance to protest attacks by Syrian-backed militants and carrying out an airstrike on what the U.S. later said was an unfinished nuclear reactor.
Nonetheless, Israel worries the fall of Assad could have a range of grave consequences.
Officials have repeatedly warned that Assad may attack Israel in a final act of desperation if he fears his days are numbered. Israel also fears Syria could fall into the hands of Islamic extremists or descend into sectarian warfare.
NBC News
People resisting the army of President Bashar al-Assad in northern Syria cope with loss and prepare for fighting.
The aftermath of Egypt's revolution has provided Israel with reason to worry about its frontier region with Syria: Egypt's Sinai desert on Israel's southern border has turned even more lawless since longtime Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February 2011, and Islamic militants are now more easily able to use it as a launching ground for strikes against southern Israel.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet that Israel is "closely monitoring" the border with Syria and is "ready for any development."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement from his New York office that the shelling was reported in the U.N.-monitored zone between Israel and Syria, but no injuries to civilians or U.N. personnel were reported.
Ban called "for the utmost restraint" and urged Syria and Israel to uphold their cease-fire agreement and halt any exchange of fire.
Thousands have fled violence in Syria in the last 24 hours, with many Syrian refugees now sheltering in Turkish camps. In his latest interview, Syrian President Assad says his army is trying to avoid civilian deaths. NBC's John Ray reports.
The violence in Syria has killed more than 36,000 people in the uprising that began in March 2011. Hundreds of thousands have fled the fighting into neighboring Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. Another 11,000 escaped Friday into Turkey following the surge of fighting at Ras al-Ayn.
Activists reported clashes and shelling in different parts of Syria, killing almost 60 people, nearly two-thirds of them civilians.
The violence spread in most provinces around the country from Diaraa and Quneitra in the south to Idlib and Aleppo in the north to Homs and Hama in the center and Deir el-Zour in the east.
The United States has become increasingly frustrated with the opposition's inability to form a common front and present a single conduit for foreign support.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
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Looks like Israel is sheltering and aiding Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights. They would do anything to topple the current government in Syria because it is allied with Iran. The only problem is that Syrian rebels are nothing but Islamic terrorists.
I hope they're not, terrorists that is.
Oh and you don't consider Assad and his government to be terrorists?? More fool you, then, Max! They are not only terrorists, but along with the government of Iran, they have aided and abetted terrorists groups for decades! The rebels are NOT terrorists, they have said they are seeking to end Assad's vicious, iron-fisted tyrannical rule and replace it with Islamic democracy.. The fact is Assad doesn't give a crap about his people, bombing and killing innocent citizens without regard for the fact they are not involved in the uprising! Not EVERY group of Muslims are terrorists, you know, but Assad sure as hell is! Israel should NOT be getting involved in this civil war right now.. A stray mortar that did NO damage is not a good enough excuse to start killing!
Middle East is full of terrorists and government sponsored terrorism - from Israel to Iran - they are all a bunch of crazy loons, and we should not get involved in any way or give any of them money. Let them solve their own problems.
I hope we help Israel!! Israel has the RIGHT to DEFEND themselves!!
How do you deduce that from the article?
This is very interesting timing. Nutty-Yahoo is upset that Romney didn't get in office, and like a petulant child, he is throwing a tantrum in public. This guy is a loon, and he's not great for world peace, either.
Rooster boy. You can only be a Neville Chaimberlain until the nazi's cross the Polish Border. Then it is far too late to stop anything.
Arm twisting by the Obama administration is pushing Israel into the corner of certain war. Israel is now signaling that enough is enough. At some point our "no" means nothing.
So, it's eternal warfare, then? That doesn't sound like much of plan, DB. In any event, Romney won't be available as a chickenhawk for this episode.
I like how we were once accepting of Gadhafi and Assad but now that they're under attack by a bunch of rogues they're percieved as terrorist funding masochists. If they are so inherently evil for trying to defend against what are constantly regarded as fractious radical Islamic elements then why do we, as Americans, accept the same suppression by Bahraini and Yemeni rulers?
I, for one, do not believe that trying to pick winners for other parts of the world makes anyone here safer.
Bibi knows what he is doing, he knows all to well the results of war, he also knows the results of inaction. He knows the price of war personally, he has fought in battle and would rather have peace but Israel's neighbors have one goal, to destroy Israel so he must be a hawk.
He lost his brother Yonatan(Jonathan) on July 4 1976 while rescuing 100 hostages in Entebbe from Palestinian and German terrorists along with Idi Amin's army, Yoni was like a modern day David. Bibi continues Yoni's legacy for the safety independence, freedom and the ultimate goal of peace for Israel.
http://www.yoni.org.il/
provide proof or verifiable source that Israel is sheltering rebels or gtfo kind sir.
Netanyahu is in very bad shape politically. His party seems fairly secure right now, but support is drifting away pretty regularly. A major reason is that almost 1/2 of Israel's citizens are exempt from military service (consisting primarily of ultra-right Orthodox Jews [who support Bibi Baby] and Arabs) and Netanyahu's beating of the Isreali war drums is having the unexpected result of having much public attention paid to why Arabs and ultra-Orthodox Jews are not pulling their weight. This issue could eventually bring down Netanyahu.
Syria has never been a good player in the region. They have always harbored anti-Israeli terrorists and have completely destabilized Lebanon which is also on Israel's border. But Israel has used its Lebanese Druze minions to create trouble for Syria and Lebanon as well.
So now Israel finbds itself in a delimna:
1) Netanyahu has been beating the Iran War drums for a long time now. In the current situation, however, any strike against Iran could cause serious and immediateret5aliation from Syria, Lebanon, and/or Egypt. This level of state-level paranoia keeps Israel from being able to make sound decisions.
2) Egypt is watching Israel's response to Syria closely. The Egyptian government doesn't want to see a provocative act by Israel and has to see Israel's cross-border firing as a "warning shot" to them as well.
3) Lebanon has fallen apart from Syrian and Israeli meddling. Syria used to run the show in Lebanon, but were forced out. But they still had the ability to keep Lebanese on turmoil. This allowed the Assad family to use Lebanon as a tool to keep the Israelis under a constant threat without endangering the Assad governbment at all.
4) Russia will not allow the Assad government to fall without doing something. Russia's ONLY overseas military base is in Targus, Syria and is critical to Russia for several reasons: a) The Black Sea Fleet must access the Mediterranean Sea via the Bosphorus and Dardenelles, narrow straits completely controlled by Turkey. In times of hostilities, the Black Sea Fleet could be stopped from leaving the Black Sea or from returning to resupply and rearm. The base at Targus fixes that to a degree. b) Putin put a lot of political capital into Assad and if he falls, it would be personally bvery embarrassing to Putin and his cronies.
5) Iran will not allow Assad to fall without a fight. The reason is Assad runs Syria through the Shiite(Alawite)/Christian government despite the fact that Iraq is about 75-80% Sunni. Syria is the only Shiite government except for Iran and Iraq. Syria is also a major trading partner of Iran. Losing Syria would be a serious blow to Iran's attempts to be the leader of the Muslim world.
6) Netanyahu tried to court Romney as someone who would attack Iran is pressured properly. Brand new Presidents generally do not like to take major military action in their first year in office, but it looks like Netanyahu had found a "true vbeliever" in Mitt --- someone who would see Netanyahu's cartoon bomb as "evidence" that the US should help them bomb Iran.
7) And don't forget the joker in the deck --- North Korea. North Korea has been sending small arms and ammunition to Syria all this year is is perfectly capable of selling Assad a working nuclear weapon. Assad could then use it to attack Israel --- say, by sailing a sub right up to the coast and then setting it off. Or he could drop it on Allepo and claim that the Israelis did it. In either case it would likely force a major IDF response.
All this has led to a very unstable situation. Netanyahu has to be having constant heartburn. He knows that Obama will not be anxious to become involved in an Israeli war with anyone. The budget needs attention and another war would just make it worse. But worse yet, Netanyahu has failed to impress Obama with the "rightness" of their cause. Israel has 75-400 nuclear weapons of about 1980's vintage American design and technology.
If Israel were to try to attack Iran, it would be a failure. Iran is simply too far away and the Iranian military is competent enough to hold their own against a long-range attack. Netanyahu has convinced Israeli's that if the IDF were to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, the result would be similar to when they bombed Syria's nuclear reactor --- forgotten quickly. That would not happen with Iran. Almost certainly there would be reprisal attacks by Hamas and other terror groups and there could well be a full-scale attack by Syria, Lebanon and Egypt, This would leave Israel fighting a three-front war with little to no hope of winning.
And if Israel is ever attacked and it looks like they will lose, they will, according to their own published war doctrine, wipe out ever major Muslim city in the Middle East.
We really need to keep pressure on our politicians to send a message to Israel that increasing pressure on Syria, Lebanon or Egypt does nothing to further Israeli interests and could well endanger any cooperation in the future. It should be made clear to Netanyahu that he is not welcome in American politics and has NO say in American government. Israel has NEVER been an ally to the US --- for them an alliance is strictly a one-way street. So, Israel should be left alone to work things out with their neighbors. They made their bed now they get to lie in it.
WOW, Chris,this is one of the most intelligent, comprehensive evaluations I have read, either in posts or in any published article.
Chris, you nailed it all perfectly well said sir, with one simple point to question, given as I agree with what you said except:
"So, Israel should be left alone to work things out with their neighbors. They made their bed now they get to lie in it."
If we want to pretend to care about world peace we will have to keep a firm grip on Israels leash, even if that means going along when a sharp tug will not suffice. If it does come down to the worst case the US would see some blow back if Israel leveled every major Muslim City in the ME. Of course this is just a devilish detail, how knows, we may be better off if Israel went full bore ahead........
Otherwise very accurate and astute. Thank you for putting ti so well.
Thats exactly what Israel is afraid of but what can they do? Gaza firing on them and now Syria. They have to defend themselves & right now Syria is their choice. But they know the rebels are dangerous. They can't have alqaeda take over. The Syrian rebels are just destablizing and fighting eachother.
Hamas in Gaza is hopeless. I was reading the Saudi Gazette who says Hamas has a 25% higher budget this year over last suggesting that the global economic crisis hasn't had an impact on their outside donors. $769M compared to $630M and 2/3 is from outside donors (and not just Iran). Hamas controls and there is no reconcilliation with the PLO. They are determined to have a Muslim Nation controlled by themselves, to the point where they punish Palestineans into joining them. Anyone know anything about the meeting they had with Qatar? Israel is getting hit.
Chris: Please explain: 1) How did Israel "meddle" in Lebanon (independent of retaliation against constant cross border attacks). 2) How has Israel "increased pressure" on Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt (apart from their retaliating against "accidental" cross-border attacks). I also disagree with your premise that Israel will lose a three-front war. It's certainly not a desirable outcome but they've done it before and you'd be surprised what Israel could do on its borders by conventional means if faced with another potential Six-Day or Yom-Kippur scenario. And Netanyahoo has been beating the Iran war drums for good reason. If Israel did not have the knack for foresight it would have been eliminated long ago. And please don't dismiss the threat of radical Islam to the US. It is, unfortunately our fight as well.
Consider the January 29, 2012 "Israel vs. Iran" article in the New York Times were it was noted that, "The Iranian regime will be several times more dangerous if it has a nuclear device in its hands...one that it could bring to the United States. It is not for nothing that it (i.e., Iran) is establishing bases for itself in Latin America and creating links with drug dealers on the US-Mexican border. This is happening in order to smuggle ordnance into the United States for the carrying out of terror attacks. Imagine this regime getting nuclear weapons to the US-Mexican border..."
Its amazing how all of this was talked about and written about over 2000 years ago! Not until now is it possible for the scripture to be fulfilled. We have been living and now are witnessing the beginning of revelation. It started when Isreal became a nation in 1948 and is called the budding of the fig tree in the last book of the bible called Revelations. It basicaly starts out by saying " Know that when you see the budding of the fig tree{ISREAL BECOMING A NATION AGAIN}that this generation shall not pass from the face of the earth until these things be fulfilled. {Tribulation} Bottom line If you have not come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, you are about to understand his wrath. For he will return and his Judgements are Holy. If your not a believer and you are haveing a hard time understanding go to END OF TIMES.COM OR GOOGLE IT.
Or, if you're sane, you can continue laughing.
Chris, good post. You might want to add to your #4 that even in the Black Sea, Russia doesn't really have a port of it's own. Sevastopol is leased from the Ukraine and throughout history, Czarist Russia, CCCP, and Russia, have always been wanting/looking for a warm water port for it's Navy.
And Iran and Syria are not islamic terrorists? They are all islamic terrorist. Here is one from the cold war, "The only reason the US got the bomb before the Russians is because our Germans were better than their Germans". I just hope our islamic terrorists are better than Russia's islamic terrorists-think about it. All Israel is doing is trying to survive it all.
What people don't understand is that in these conflicts it's nearly impossible to separate the good guys from the bad guys. I know Romney, McCain, and the rest of the Neo-Cons are dying to get the U.S. in the middle of the conflict. However, they won't be the ones dying. It will be our young men and women in harm's way. Those that won't have to serve sure do love wars.
king obama already has us in the midle of it-we just do not know it yet, and like the whole Benghazi/Petraeus thing we probably won't until it is too late:
How is that? My impression was that it was Romney advocating a permanent U.S. troop presence in the Middle East.
stone6
Any president that has to TELL me he is honest ISN'T! Nixon SAID he was not a crook. As I said, we will not know until it is too late. Romney was upfront and honest about his plan. king obama is lying and deceiving everyone with his the Benghazi/Petraeus thing proves it..I wonder how that meeting went with Russia?
Hey the draft ended during the Vietnam era... in case your still stuck there.
We even let illegal aliens sign up now, to gain citizenship...
Hope and change it if you like but those are the facts..
Totherepublic,
Obama's title is that of President of the United States, not King Obama. He was elected by MAJORITY vote in a democratic system. You can hate it all you want, but he is the elected representative and commander-in-chief of this nation. And begin countdown to conspiracy theory rebuttals in 3...2...1....
Hmmm...Russians are born paranoid. It's in their genes. The only people more paranoid are those living on or near their borders. My guess is that Obama has or will swap the Polish and Czech anti-missile site plans for Russian support on the Iranian sanctions.
Once the Russian witnesss
the fight begin in Syria, they quickly anchored and took positions in silence
Waiting on what, you may ask, I bet your guess is as good as mine.
Will Israel or Iran know the answers?
This is NOT the first time since the Yom Kipur war that Israel has engaged Syria. During the Lebanon war war, and the following engagement between Hezballah and Israel, the IDF has struck multiple times inside Syria, including a raid against Syrian chemical warfare facilities, and a mock air attack against Assad's summer palace.
So because Petraeus(a Republican) in the one of the most sensitive positions in the US couldn't maintain his integrity by keeping it in his pants, it's Obama's fault, because covert CIA operatives in Benghazi , who were the closest US forces in the area, were told to stand down(for reasons we are not told, nor should we be told) it is Obama's fault. I get the feeling that from your outlook hurricane Sandy was also Obama's fault. I had a flat tire about two months ago, was that also Obama's fault?
Anti, seems like everyone on the Left blamed Bush for everything! What's the matter, can't take the heat back?
Neg
Obama didn't go starting a war we had no business being in(Iraq), Obama didn't ignore the war we should have been in Afghanistan(Although if Reagan didn't turn his back on them 9/11 would likely not have happened) Obama didn't sit on his ass looking dumbfounded at a kindergarten when we were under attack. Obama didn't cut taxes where they shouldn't have been cut and drive the economy off a cliff, Obama didn't take a helicopter tour after Katrina and then do the famous"You're doing a great job Brownie(or is that browneye) after he had done NOTHING about the Katrina disaster. Obama didn't create an unfunded 50,000,000,000.00 medical white elephant(medicare part D).
Shall I continue, I can write pages upon pages if you want.
Obama did create the "fiscalcliff as he approved the cuts in his last 4 years that go into effect jan 1. Now if it does not get fixed how is that the republicans fault. If no agreement is reached, unemployment goes to 9%. Obama wants to play chicken with peoples jobs so he can get his agenda thru. Yeah i know tax the rich. That will fix nothing not enough money. However they could pay their fair share, as if the bush tax cuts are not renued, 1,000 per child goes to $500 on income tax. and dont forget for those that dont buy insurance in 2016 $1,200 out of theirs in penalty. What is the govt gonna do with that?
Obama did start a health care program that nobody can seem to figure out the costs.
Obama is pushing for illegals to get green cards. Welfare/Foodstamps/Govt sub housing/reduced lunches, are recieved by illegals now with one anchor child. Dominican, Mexican 82%, Guatemalan 75%, Ecuadoran 70%. Who is going to pay for the increase in the benefits when all illegals are given citizenship because they are here? All the rest of the immigrants to the US had to go thru the system. Why are these special?
The national debt is still growing. BTW If you tax the rich $250,000 more each it would amount to about $114 billion per year. The govt is spending 1.2 trillion more than it makes. Wont fix nothing.
I would like to see the issues we have fixed. obamas been at it for 4 years and so far nothing. Whoops forgot gays can serve in the miltary openly, and because of that gas is going down to $1.50 a gal. What a deal. And dont go there my sisters a lesbian. so get over it.
And exactly why are we still in afghanistan. by the average number of troops killed, (most now under obama), we only have 1,203 more that will get killed before 2014. Hey washington are you hearing me? Get out now. Pointless waste of lives.
He may have gotten the majority of votes cast, but the majority of citizens did not vote for him.
I think that any of our politicians who vote to go to war should be the first to go. And they should be no higher up the ladder than a corporal. And they should be fighting on the front lines.
if that was the case... it wont be no war again.
hey here's a chance for adelman and Newt to go fight for Israel...or will they wuss out like most chickenhawks who talk tough but find other things to do when the fighting starts...
Iran,Syria,hamas hezbollah are of the same terrorist cloth and hve been wrecking havoc in the region and on other continents as well Independently of how the rebels are, Assad has to go now.His crimes against humanity as the head of his government can´t go unpunished.The Syrian oppostion can weed out the terrorists among them.Syria is basically a secular society and we can only hope that after Assad goes the military will defend the secular nature and arrest or kill the Islamic terrorists.Is this too simple of an analysis.? Maybe,but what are the alternatives.?
you are out of your mine.
bart - The same scenario that if the Shah goe, the military can defend the secularism in Iran, did not materialized. For one thing, the US (Carter and Cyrus Vance) were involved in deposing the military and neutralizing them, so the ayatolahs took over. Syrian rebels cannot weed out among themselves, Syria will end up as another Egypt. The reason Iran does not support the rebels in Syria is that the rebels are mainly populated with AlQaida, Iran's enemy.
only a fool would fight the Jews since GUESS WHO is on their side
Who would that be? Oh yeah, the Invisible Sky Fairy. BTW, didn't they also support killing Christ? Scrw those greedy bastards.
Custom - you can't see the air you breath unless it is /polluted. You cannot prove that god exists, nor can you prove he doesn't exist.
I suggest you look up the critical human protein, Laminin.
Both Jew and Gentile killed Christ. The Jews had no authority to put a man to death. Herod who did, but wouldn't touch the case. It was Pontius Pilot, a Gentile, who signed the order. The Religious Jews simply accused him and insisted on him being put to death.
I also don't see what is so greedy about the Jews wanting a land that would be barren except they understand how to make it prosperous.
The Jewish power will fall, it s just a matter of time. Jesus is scheduled to come back fight the Jews. they may laugh at me but they did laugh before at other messengers who warned them but they didnt listen and pay a big price.
The Jews were always cursed by God, not sure why? no matter how strong they grow, there is always something that comes to destroy them like what happened during Hitler century.
They think now they have a country in their own which is not permitted for them to have according to their believe, I am not a hater but the way how Israel is handling them selves and how they behave is not going to help them from another disaster. I hope that will change because I am against any one suffering when you know what to do to make it a better safe place for every one
Well, all we know is that the last 64 years have been significantly better for us, than previous 2000 years without a country, and not only for the Israelis, but also for the rest of us world wide.
And if we are so cursed, no matter what we do, we don't have anything to loose, do we?
Might as well keep trying what works so far.
How better in the last 64 years? Israel is growing yes. but at the same time.. it s making more enemies than ever before. I pray for a Miracle to bring real peace. without Miracle, I dont see any hope of peace.
Been cursed is not a good thing! it was never a good thing. Ever.
"Might as well keep trying what works so far!"
The way things r going with Israel and where it s heading! I dont see how it s going to work secure the safety and the security of the People of Israel! but I could wrong..
I pray it works for every one.
Here is Israel, starting another war with one of it's neighbors. Israel is the only terrorist state in the ME. Other terrorists are not state sponsored. Hamas and Hezbollah are freedom fighters, protecting their own land and are recognized as such, by most of the international community..
Yeah, sure Ralph, Israel is the "only terrorist state in the ME"? "Hamas and Hezbollah are freedom fighters"? And are "recognized as such by most of the international community"? Boy, it's a close call as to which of these statements is the stupidest...I guess its a tie. You win the moron award, congratulations. Now move to Gaza, if you're not already there.
Explain to the world how Israel counter attacking missles being lobbed into general citizens property means that they are starting a war.
Freedom fighters? Have you read the Hezbollah manifesto or the Hamas charter? have you followed the news artical(s) regarding the area in question and the chronological order? What abou the 100 rockets into the south from Gaza over the weekend, all before a response. What is your agenda? You seem so angry and full of hate.
Most Americans have never traveled outside of the US and are totally unaware of what the rest of the free world thinks. The vast majority of Europeans do not support the current Israeli government's internal and international positions. Europeans travel a lot and interact with people from all over the world. They see themselves as members of an international community in which they live. They also see most Americans as being self-righteous. Even our Canadian neighbors view us as parochial.
Yeah Ralph, here we go again! Israel always the bad guys. Your rhetoric never changes. You conveniently seem to forget the accepted cardinal difference between "freedom fighters" and "terrorists". Freedom fighters primarily attack only military targets. Terrorists have no compunction about killing anyone they feel like, especially innocent women and children and civilian targets. You love to call Israelis terrorists but refuse to acknowledge the fact that you do not see Israelis strapping on explosive laden suicide vests and walk into crowded shopping malls or continuously lobbing rockets into residential areas. Now believe it or not, I am not a big fan of Israel's government and they have screwed up plenty, but I call things the way I see them. There is enough blood on the hands of both sides and plenty of blame to go around.
Dropping cluster bombs and firing white phosphorous shells indiscrimantly against civilian targets for the sole purpose to kill and maim. This is far worse than the work of a single suicide bomber.
The idf thugs and Palestinian resistant fighters are not fighting on level playing field. One side armed to the teeth with F-16 and Merkava tanks and the other side only have stones, small arms and molotov bombs.
If israel is using whatever means to "protect" herself, the resistant fighter are entitled to use whatever means at their disposal to fight against occupation and oppression. Same way in July 1946 the militant terrorist right-wing zionist underground organization the Irgun bombed the British administrative headquarters for
Palestine, which was housed in the King David Hotel, 91 people of various nationalities were killed and 46 were injured
Henrich, speaking of rhetoric that never changes, how are you this evening? The rockets being lobbed into residential areas from Gaza don't fall under the category of stones and small arms bud.
heinrich, your repetitious non sense is getting tiredsome.
Von Dorf: I'm certain you would advise the Israelis to counterattack with sticky bombs to ensure their annihilation once and for all. Well excuse us sir if we simply don't lie down and die. You call mortars and Katyusha rockets "stones" and "molotov bombs?" if the Palestinians were your neighbors you would have sent over a small nuclear device long ago. The Israeli Army is the most humane army in the world under the circumstances. It is the likes of you that they are fighting against and as such I just wish they would cease being so humane and defend themselves as any other military in the world would - with ruthless resolve.
farudeh, the feeling is mutual.
"The israeli army is the most humane army in the world". This must be the joke of the century.
Moshe: The circumstances arising from having to fight an enemy that hides in schools and mosques and uses women and children as human shields. Other militaries would not exercise such restraint and, for example, bother to drop warning notices of an impending raid to minimize civilian casualties.
I agree with Ralph
I dont blame any one who will call Israel Terrorist, but they are as evil as other organization or whatever you want to call them.
the difference in between is one puts a vest around and go blow them selves. Israel takes down a whole building like school, hospital, residential building etc with one big missile just because someone fire a rocket near by those building.
either way it s still evil because always innocent people end up been killed.
President Obama: Do not let us be dragged into Netanyahu's War. He is personally a large [part of the problem. Only Israel can deal with that Jan 22. Let's hope they do -- and that he doesn't initiate any military action (or as he'd call it, reaction) just to help himself retain power.
Israel is determined to create war against Iran through Syria! Haven't enough US military died for Israel ??????
How about we just stay out of it - until we are absolutley needed. (My opinion)
Now that the election is over, we will see some interesting moves on all sides. Israel certainly isn't going to "keep the peace", the terrorist governments may actually slow down a little bit because they are happy Obama got re-elected, and as for our own military, sure we've heard what Obama has been saying about not getting involved. At the same time, the election is now over and we will find out what our current leadership REALLY thinks about getting involved in Syria's massacre along with Iran and the others.
Israel, do what you have to do, they all keep pushing you and pushing you. May the Father destroy all who come against you.
Nacio: Amen brother.
Again go to End of Times.com or google it.
Can't help but wonder where they have Hillary hiding out. Lately it seems everyone wanting to point the finger at Petraeus, and now conveniently he will not have to testify in the inquiries as to Benghazi, and Hillary is not to be found when she indeed is the one most responsible and Panetta is second. Meanwhile, Israel is being tweaked by persons unknown. It's not what is being reported that worries me. It's what is not being reported. Chemical weapons are mentioned in every instance of cross-border incidents as another looming debacle. Yet, the media will avoid any word or mention of the Bekaa Valley at all costs it seems.
Israel isn't "sheltering anyone" - they are plainly telling Syria to keep their internal struggles "internal" - lest Israel finish it for them! Yes - Assad is a freakin' terrorist - " a rose is a rose by any other name" - any gov't or gov't leader that "trounces" his people like Assad - well - you get my drift. Go ahead Syria, draw Israel into your conflict and ISRAEL will settle it very quickly. Why do you think Iran is "trembling in their boots" ? Iran knows better - or - they will be taught the hard way!
Wish and hope that the United States stays out of the problems in this area, Do not need any more troops sent to the middle east to fight the rich mans war when he doesn't let his kids go to war; Obama and the democrats need to bring the draft back or maybe keep the troops they have like the did in World War 2, for the duration plus 30 days...
The only Americans who really know enough to care about Israeli involvement at this point, are U.S. military personnel stationed in the Middle East.
Yes, I'd like one large pepperoni pizza and a large coke.
Is it just me, or is MSNBC saying "Israel fires into Syria for second day, scores 'direct hits'" and CNN saying "Israeli airstrikes hit Palestinian militant targets in Gaza" not quite as accurate-sounding as "Rockets fired at Israel?"
Did you say large coke?.Hope your not in NYC where you can get abortion on demand but just try to get a 16 ounce coke-
Mike-493232==Man your a kick!! :-)
If you listen to the Fox News and CNN then everybody is terrorist. These channels are propaganda to keep Americans fool, use them misuse them and control them. The facts are different. Israel is steeling land and burning kids with phosphorus bomb, bulldozing homes and rejecting UN human right reports. Israel is the one to blame the unrest in Syria. THE WORLD BIGGEST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION IS ISRAEL. This tiny country is nothing but the pain for the world and cost Americans over Ten Trillions dollars a year.
No thats not true,only the super zelot nuts ,JIHAD isnt in the karan,I probly spelled it wrong but please forgive me.How can you put CNN AND FOX in the same sentence Fox at least tells the truth .while CNN maybe
Asad Khan-6781232===Israel has in place for a long time and has a right to defend itself. If those that surround Israel decided to actually stop killing people and start living together the the world would be a better place for all of us. Israel is there to stay, people should realize that by now.
Israel cannot stay. Don't you feel the thunder yet.
We've been hearing the thunder for 64 years, got used to it after 50 years or so.
Go Isreal GO ...If the arab SOB's think you are weak ,they will mess with you all the more .If you get a chance ,blow them all to He(L .
My enemy's enemy, is my friend. Go Isreal
Sounds like a opportunity for Israel to attack Hezbollah , that Syria & Iran has supported for years.
In other words, they might drain the swamp (Syria) to remove the mosquitos (Hezbollah) .
Without Syria's interference , Lebanon might return to its more successful past .
You know the people in that part of the world have been fighting for so long I think they forgot just what they are fighting for or about. Makes you wonder at what age they introduce their children to war. Muslim against Muslim, go figure?
True Smokie, but it doesn't have to stay like that, full of blind hatred.
Those kids need cable TV
They do have cable TV, but that tool can be used for multiple purposes.