Apparently there has been a wee bit of drama while I was off celebrating the Purim festival.
Here’s what went down: American and British monitors, who were supervising the detention of the murderers of Rehavam Zeevi (an elected Israeli minister) pursuant to a compromise reached between Israel and the PA, left as a result of security concerns (i.e. the PA had not kept their end of the bargain, something that even UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw admitted). Since it was clear from the statements of “Moderate” PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas that he would let them go free – in clear violation of the compromise agreement – Israel did what any civilized country would do: surrounded the prison after the international monitors left, and demanded that the prisoners turn themselves in.
Popular Front Secretary General Ahmad Saadat, the jailed mastermind behind Minister Zeevi’s murder, talked the talk.
“We are not going to surrender. We are going to face our destiny with courage”
Approximately 9 hours later, he and his fellow terrorists were walking the walk.
In between, there was the expected rash of riots, attacks on buildings, and kidnappings.
Despite the fact that this was precipitated by the PA’s clear breach of a past agreement regarding the prisoners (their abject failure to provide sufficient security for the international monitors, as well as Abbas’ declaration that the prisoners would be released), Abbas has employed the tried and tested palestinian propaganda technique of turnspeak to accuse the British and US of violating the agreement.
Mr Abbas, who is president of the Palestinian Authority, called the withdrawal of the prison monitors a grave violation of agreements.
All of this did not stop the British and US from insisting that Israel “exercise restraint” during the operation. And I have no doubt hilarity criticism will ensue.
*sigh*
In any event, Israel’s citizens should be extremely proud of the IDF, who have successfully captured the murderers of an elected Minister. I know I am.
