Yoram Ettinger
Most Israeli Jews (70% accordign to the latest poll) urge the government to persist in the military operation against Gaza-based terrorism. Most criticized Israel's restraint of the last eight years. They urge the government to destroy Hamas capabilities, rather than agree to another ceasefire, which – based on all of the precedents of the last 15 years – would be a prelude to another wave of terrorism. 2. National character is most authentically tested in the face of adversity, such as the current war to uproot the eight year old Gaza-based missile-threat, which has plagued over 900,000 Israeli civilians in southern Israel. The missile/terror offensive was launched by Arafat/Abu Mazen and intensified by the September 2005 "Disengagement" (no missiles until Oslo; the first missile hit Sderot on April 16, 2001; there were179 missiles in 2005; 946 in 2006; 1271 in 2007; and over 3,500 missiles in 2008.
3. The morale of the People of Israel has been enhanced dramatically by the decision to end the eight year restraint. Morale shifted to an even higher gear as Israel's ground forces joined the battle, signaling the intent to eradicate Hamas' capabilities, rather than acquiescing to another cease fire.
4. Determination and Reciprocal Responsibility/Commitment has characterized the People of Israel since the launching of the war:
*100% of reservists have reported to their military combat duties, as was the case during the 2002 Operation Defensive Shield and the 2006 Lebanon War.
*Colonel Avi Peled, Commander of the Golani (infantry) Brigade, leads his soldiers on the battle field, as do all other brigade and battalion commanders. Colonel Peled was injured two days ago. He was the last one to be evacuated to a Beer Sheba hospital and insisted that he be allowed to promptly return to his troops on the battle field.
*A bereaved mother, Mrs. Hagit Rhein, who lost one son (Benaya) during the 2006 Lebanon War, and whose other son, Elishema, is participating in the ground forces offensive against Hamas, urges the government "to avoid repeating past mistakes-ceasefires."
*A regular Giv'ati (infantry) Brigade soldier was joined – in Gaza - by his three older brothers, who are Giv'ati reservists.
*Parents of wounded Israeli soldiers are proud that their sons are anxious to return to the battle field.
*Most ground force soldiers are 19 to 21 year old, highly motivated young people, who consider their role in the war as their contribution to Zionism, to the Jewish State and to the residents of the missile-plagued communities.
*Female chopper pilots and combat medics are participating in the war on Hamas terrorists.
*Residents of missile-plagued communities express willingness to absorb many more missiles, if the government is determined to destroy Hamas. "Until the war started, we were convinced that the government had written us off!"
*Many families in central and northern Israel have opened their homes and extended hospitality to Israelis living in the south, who have been victimized by the missiles fired at them from Gaza.
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