Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:40:32 GMT By Sami al-Habib, Press TV
People rally in support of Hamas in Gaza after the war.
Israel began its Operation Cast Lead against Hamas in the Gaza Strip on December 27, 2008, an almost three-week long bloodbath which killed or wounded thousands of civilians.
Taking into consideration the lessons the regime learned from its defeat in the summer 2006 war against the Lebanese Hezbollah, Tel Aviv avoided setting out any specific objectives for its military operation in a bid to enable it to claim victory after the conflict ended.
The Israeli military initially presumed that it could settle its old score with Hamas and crush the movement in a matter of days. Relying on the support of some Arab states which viewed Hamas's defeat as a blow to Iran, the regime, therefore, took the opportunity provided by the transitional period in the White House and escalated its bombing campaign into a full-blown ground offensive to kill Hamas leaders once and for all.
The plan, however, blew up in the face of its masterminds; everything spiraled out of control and the Israeli Army found itself stuck in a quagmire. Subsequently, the leaders of the Kadima Party who were on the brink of political bankruptcy and had resorted to the plan to save themselves ahead of the general elections, had to hastily find a way to clean up the mess.
They unilaterally declared a truce to break the deadlock while disguising their military failure as a humanitarian act.
However, Israeli military and political officials interestingly are still boasting about a decisive victory over Hamas. The reality on the ground proves the opposite; it indicates a defeat more humiliating than what the regime suffered in the 33-day war.
Israel was ,without doubt, the loser because:
1- From the military perspective, "the most powerful" army in the Middle East which faced only a militia group hardly advanced into the Gaza Strip's urban areas. It faced fierce resistance and realized that the price of any military victory would be too high.
2- At the beginning of the operation, Israel announced that the operation was aimed at preventing rocket attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups against Israeli towns. Palestinians, however, continued striking Israeli targets, even in the last hours of the war.
3- Hamas extended the range of its rockets and managed to hit targets as far away as 60 kilometers from the Gaza Strip. In fact, the Israeli operation helped Hamas boost its military might.
4- In the course of killing civilians, the Israeli regime set up a factory for producing living time bombs which will jeopardize the security situation for Israel. Civilian casualties in any conflict always radicalize members of bereaved families. Following the massacre of civilians in Gaza, it is more likely that those Palestinians who adopted a nonviolent approach to resist the Israeli occupation, will now turn to military tactics. Keep in mind that many of them have noting to lose.
5- Israel hastily signed an agreement with the US-a third party which was not directly involved in the war-to prevent "the arm smuggling" into the Gaza Strip. The deal envisaged measures to prevent Hamas from rearming, going so far as to for example seek US assistance in policing sea routes to Gaza and providing Egypt with the equipment to destroy smuggling tunnels along its border with the coastal sliver. This was however nothing but a propaganda tactic to persuade public opinion that the war had had some achievements. Shin Bet's announcement that Hamas will be able to rearm within a few months supports this notion. The Israeli media has also revealed that Washington has given no guarantees to Tel Aviv that Hamas would not be rearmed.
6- Hamas has vowed to restore its arsenals, dealing a blow to Israeli officials who claim that the movement has been "punished" and it knows that it cannot continue its armed campaign against Israel.
7- No high-ranking Hamas leader, except Said Siyam, was killed in the Israeli operation. In fact, it is estimated that out of more than thousands of victims of the Israeli offensive, only 95 people were Hamas members and most of them were killed on the first day of the attack when Hamas was caught off guard due to alleged betrayal of some Arab states.
8- Israel's defeat by a small group has shattered the image of an invincible army that overpowered the army of several Arab nations in 1967. It would not be surprising if Israel's arch foes were encouraged to settle their old score with the regime after its recent defeat. No matter what you have in your arsenals, you are considered the loser if you have been defeated in your enemy's mind. Israel seems to have entered the spiral of decline.
9- From the political perspective, Israel's situation is not any better than the one in the military arena. For the first time, two Israeli ambassadors were expelled, a big diplomatic humiliation for Tel Aviv.
10- The indiscriminate killing of civilians including women and children drew international condemnation to the point that the US, which always vetoes UN Security Council resolutions against Israel, was neutralized and gave in to mounting international pressure when the council voted on a binding resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.
11- Israel's strategy of decreasing Hamas's popularity through putting pressure on the Gazans has obviously backfired. The Islamic movement emerged more popular than ever before after the war, because any group or person who deals a blow to Israel will be praised as a hero in the eyes of Arab nations. We witnessed the phenomenon during the 33-day war which made Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah the most popular Arab leader in the Islamic world.
12- Following the Gaza war, Mahmoud Abbas's political life came to an end. Now, Abbas who was reportedly preparing himself for returning to Gaza after the Hamas government was toppled, has to desperately beg to political brokers to find a place for him in the political future of Palestine. If Abbas loses in the Palestinian Authority general elections - a strong possibility given the situation after the Gaza war- Israel will lose its partner for peace talks.
13- Kadima's hopes for victory in the upcoming elections have been dashed. In other words, right-wing parties like the Likud and people like Israel Beitenu's and Shas's hawks will come to power, fanatics who do not even believe in peace. Israel should brace itself for days during which there would be no hope for a political solution to the current conflict.
14- The Gaza war managed another sort of uncalled for achievement for Israel: it united all Muslims and anti-Israeli parties across the world! The world has never witnessed such massive anti-Israeli rallies.
15- Hamas has set a good example for others. A small group managed to defeat the most powerful army in the Middle East. It would not be surprising if someday, we see Israel struggling to survive in a battle with a host of small or big groups and organizations which adopt military resistance as their approach.
16- The Israelis have realized that their leaders are unable to protect them; there is no safe place inside the occupied territories. It means that Israel's worst nightmare is coming true: a dramatic rise in the rate of negative immigration followed by major demographical impacts. It could shake the foundation of the Israeli regime through changing the Jewish people to a minority group in occupied Palestine. The apprehensions about this issue have so far prompted the regime to deny Palestinian refugees the right to return to their land.
17- After the war, the world is recognizing Hamas as a major player whose role can no longer be ignored and it cannot be excluded from any political process in the Middle East.
18- Prime Minister Ismail Haniya called the war "Forqan", a Quranic word meaning what separates good and evil. The outcome of the war weakened those Arab states who had adopted a pro-Israeli stance. On the other hand, it also highlighted the significance of the role of pro-resistance countries including Iran and Syria. Therefore, the balance of power has changed with regards to Israel's interests.
19- Kadima leaders made a fool of themselves and showed that they lack the qualifications required to lead the regime. Kadima, which was set up by former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to end the regime's political deadlock, committed a political suicide by attacking Gaza.
20- The war also weakened the political base of those leaders of Islamic countries who are close to Israel. They have to face their people. The process has already started as we have witnessed demonstrations in some countries in which political or social protests are rare.
21- Despite nonstop bombing of the Gaza Strip by unconventional weapons, Gazans kept their high morale, a fact reported by Western journalists. There were no long queues of people at border crossings wanting to flee to a safe place. Inside Israeli towns, scores of people were treated for "shock" everyday. In other words, Israel has also lost the psychological war.
22- The war unfortunately fueled anti-Semitic sentiments across the world. Although attacks on Jews or their property under any pretext are certainly condemned, the fact indicates that Israel, despite paying lip service to the world Jewry, never considers the interests of the Jewish. Tel Aviv even turned down a request by 11 prominent leaders of the British Jewish community who asked the regime to stop its offensive for the sake of their security.
23- There are and will be groups which will open legal cases against Israel in international courts for its war crimes in Gaza. If Hamas had been destroyed, Israeli leaders might have been able to claim that it had been worth paying such a heavy price. But without achieving anything , how can they justify their acts which have drawn a wave of international condemnation?
The Gaza war has certainly changed the status quo against Israel. History seems to repeat itself; the situation is the same as that of the days after the end of the 33-Day War except for one thing: this time, the regime has no excuse to justify its defeat; there was no inexperienced defense minister leading the war.
The Gaza war dealt the last blow to the Israeli regime and its end result is the start of a battle within the regime which will put its very existence at risk.
Those who make a mistake once may be considered as inexperienced but those who repeat their mistakes are certainly judged as being "incompetent and insane". Shall we expect another Winograd report?
Last edited by 'Abd-al Latif; 01-22-2009 at 12:16 PM.
And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.” [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]
"And when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them and said: No-one of mankind can conquer you this day, for I am your protector. But when the armies came in sight of one another, he took flight, saying: Lo! I am guiltless of you. Lo! I see that which ye see not. Lo! I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in punishment." (8:48)
And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.” [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
Would there be 24 reasons if it lasted 24 days?
On a more serious note, I do not think it really matters who won or lost...there are much more important and pressing things about the conflict to think or worry about...
"And when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them and said: No-one of mankind can conquer you this day, for I am your protector. But when the armies came in sight of one another, he took flight, saying: Lo! I am guiltless of you. Lo! I see that which ye see not. Lo! I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in punishment." (8:48)
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
format_quote Originally Posted by Hanz
May Allah humiliate the nation of Israel.
Ameen!!!
'Then when Talut (Saul) set out with the army, he said: "Verily! Allah will try you by a river. So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes (thereof) in the hollow of his hand." Yet, they drank thereof, all, except a few of them. So when he had crossed it (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: "We have no power this day against Jalut (Goliath) and his hosts." But those who knew with certainty that they were to meet their Lord, said: "How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allah's Leave?"
And Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).'
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
As the one sided war was going on and Gaza was being mercilessly pounded, I wondered where the rest of the Arab and Muslim world were. Why did not any of the many Arab states in the region send its army to the aid of Palestinians? Why did Hezbollah not lend a helping hand any which way? They did launch some missiles, but stopped when sternly warned by Israel. Before Arab nations were at least willing to go to war with Israel, though they were defeated. Now no one is even challenging Israel. While the 33 days war was no doubt a Hezbollah victory, the Hamas can hardly claim anything of that sort in this 23 days war. Israel wanted the missiles stopped and it has stopped. Maybe Hamas might resume it a year later, but I think a year later Israel would be even bolder in seeking to crush Hamas.
"If you have two loaves of bread, sell one to buy hyacinths, for they will feed your soul." Mohammad
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
^It's wishful thinking that Hamas will ever be crushed. Israel hadn't reckoned the force they were met with and ran with it's tail between it's legs to cut its losses. Not that I'm defending them but as for why no arabs state defended Palestine, you should watch 'the arrivals' (youtube) from episode 1 to get all your answers. Dare you do that? It might open your eyes to the truth about zionism and their biggest enemy - Islam!
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
format_quote Originally Posted by K.Venugopal
As the one sided war was going on and Gaza was being mercilessly pounded, I wondered where the rest of the Arab and Muslim world were. Why did not any of the many Arab states in the region send its army to the aid of Palestinians? Why did Hezbollah not lend a helping hand any which way? They did launch some missiles, but stopped when sternly warned by Israel. Before Arab nations were at least willing to go to war with Israel, though they were defeated. Now no one is even challenging Israel. While the 33 days war was no doubt a Hezbollah victory, the Hamas can hardly claim anything of that sort in this 23 days war. Israel wanted the missiles stopped and it has stopped. Maybe Hamas might resume it a year later, but I think a year later Israel would be even bolder in seeking to crush Hamas.
Really? Did you over-look this:
At the beginning of the operation, Israel announced that the operation was aimed at preventing rocket attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups against Israeli towns. Palestinians, however, continued striking Israeli targets, even in the last hours of the war.
Bear in mind that the news is telling you their side of the story while the Palestinians living in Palestine are telling you another! Israel haven't even reported the facts about their own soldiers being captured and killed, it was the Palestinian civilians who did!
I somehow doubt Israel will lift the blockade of Palestine that caused this whole 23 day war in the first place so i'm pretty sure Hamas will strike very soon.
Keep an eye on the news
P.S
Bear also in mind, if Hamas launch a single rocket into Israel then this whole operation was a complete and total loss because they have failed their objectives to neutralize Hamas.
Last edited by 'Abd-al Latif; 01-22-2009 at 05:58 PM.
And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.” [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
format_quote Originally Posted by K.Venugopal
As the one sided war was going on and Gaza was being mercilessly pounded, I wondered where the rest of the Arab and Muslim world were. Why did not any of the many Arab states in the region send its army to the aid of Palestinians? Why did Hezbollah not lend a helping hand any which way? They did launch some missiles, but stopped when sternly warned by Israel. Before Arab nations were at least willing to go to war with Israel, though they were defeated. Now no one is even challenging Israel. While the 33 days war was no doubt a Hezbollah victory, the Hamas can hardly claim anything of that sort in this 23 days war. Israel wanted the missiles stopped and it has stopped. Maybe Hamas might resume it a year later, but I think a year later Israel would be even bolder in seeking to crush Hamas.
Concerned bringer of peace to this world crammed full of injustices, with utmost respect, where was the Hindu army?.
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
As you are from them, what have the Buddhists done in all this evil?. I know many people have marched, protested and voiced their dislike to the atrocities. Specifically, can you tell me what the followers of Buddhism have done in all this loss of peace the world is witnessing please?.
I hope we agree on what is happening that is, after all who knows which papers are lying and which are telling the truth?. Rather than make this the issue - why not solve the problem. Would be interested to see exactly what your people have done with regards to this injustice to mankind.
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
format_quote Originally Posted by S1aveofA11ah
Specifically, can you tell me what the followers of Buddhism have done in all this loss of peace the world is witnessing please?.
Much the same as everybody else, in relation to this particular conflict, I suspect. There is no central Buddhist authority, any more than there is a central Islamic authority. The general Buddhist approach would be non-violence (if not always outright pacifism).
As regard the loss of world peace in general, I think the answer would be "aiming to avoid losing more of it wherever possible". I draw your attention to the Dalai Lama's position regarding the Chinese occupation of Tibet, for example. Sadly, as with Islam, not everybody who would claim to be a Buddhist behaves as a Buddhist should.. look at the conflict in Sri Lanka
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
i can add a 24th reason, after the war ended thousands of Palestinians marched through Gaza keeping their heads up and not bowing down, that is probaly the biggest victory of all, that these people no matter how much brutality you throw at them, they will not cower in the dark and give up, they will march through the ruins and continue their demand for freedom and justice!
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
format_quote Originally Posted by Trumble
According to Press TV. Cough... I wonder when that photo was taken.
Meanwhile, back in the real world, let's see what really happened...
This is what I never understood about you guys. Why do you limit yourself to one source?? The BBC (Bush and Brown Cooperation) have always been biased. The BBC is the national news channel in Britan, the British are the ones who granted the Israeli's permission to take over someone elses country, the British are the closest Allies of the US, the British are backing Israel in all forms of oppression by supplying them with weapons and what not, the British sent their soldiers in Muslim lands at the start of the war in Iraq. Wake up and smell the coffie, are the british news channels going to inform you of about the reality of Palestine and Muslims?? They hardly took much concern because the situation of Gaza wasn't even something they would keep in the head lines for longer then two days! And even then it was Israel Israel Israel!
When Israel and Palestine were at war I took that opportunity to browse through different news websites and surprise surprise! BBC was one of the top 5 websites coming out with biased information, lies about Hamas, and some information which was pure nonsense to the extent that I wouldn't even bother reading half the article.
1 British soldier dies in a country where he isn't supposed to be, US and UK make such a big deal about it. Yet they fail to mention the 100's and 1000's of people killed because of the invasion in Iraq and the soldiers in Afghanistan. The western countries care about their own people and their own reputation, they couldn't care less about the Muslims and their lands!
Allies of BBC such as Sky News and Fox showing Israeli homes with a hole in their wall, yet the 1000's that died in Palestine were hardly mentioned!
During the Lebenese war, 100's of innocent woman and children died, Israel blatently making their soul target the Lebenese capital far away from the army and all BBC and co was concerned about was the 2 captured Israeli soldiers who crossed Lebenese borders! You call this real life!?
I call it plain ignorance and deception to make their own selves look like heros!
So stop asking non-muslims what the Muslims must be going through!
Last edited by 'Abd-al Latif; 01-23-2009 at 10:03 PM.
And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.” [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
format_quote Originally Posted by Trumble
According to Press TV. Cough... I wonder when that photo was taken.
Meanwhile, back in the real world, let's see what really happened...
Heres your real world! Listen to this - the whole thing - if you are sincere!
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And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.” [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]
Substituting news reporting for loudmouth opinion makers! I am not sure if that is a good strategy if you are "sincere" about getting accurate information.
Regarding the topic. It is clear that Israel is losing the propaganda war. We'll have to see how much that actually harms them in the longer run.
Re: 23 proofs of Israel's defeat in the 23-day war
format_quote Originally Posted by KAding
Substituting news reporting for loudmouth opinion makers! I am not sure if that is a good strategy if you are "sincere" about getting accurate information.
Regarding the topic. It is clear that Israel is losing the propaganda war. We'll have to see how much that actually harms them in the longer run.
Who are you to call George Galloway a loudmouth on a worldwide forum?. No one is fault free and he speaks a lot more sense than most politicians. Don't just resort to insulting someone if you disagree with his/her views...
Last edited by S1aveofA11ah; 01-23-2009 at 10:12 PM.
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