The Palestinians have become impatient over the last few years, losing confidence in the process and its diplomatic way. They are becoming convinced that the process will never win them a homeland. The militants want to go out and fight for what they might not be able to win peacefully. They would like to purge ‘their’ land of Israelis and would like to see them govern themselves. Terrorism is a crucial part their strategy. They hope to break the Israelis will by their own will to sustain their struggle.

Israel will go to any length to ensure their security. They believe in doing things their own way and in making their own future. It is justified as an unfortunately political and military necessity. It’s no good having faith unless you’re ready to fight for it. That means attacking sometimes not just defending. It means dirtying their hands. It’s a small price to pay for the sake of the future. In its own way it’s another type of fanaticism.

Israel will continue to make the sacrifices necessary to secure its own strategic needs. Israel’s decision to undertake further operations on Palestinian territory may show the flawed conceptual underpinnings of the Israeli decision makers but even if such operations fail, Israel will not allow such failure to deter it from redressing wrongs that ultimately endanger its security. It is doubtful even with such an extended and intensive debate within Israeli academic and intelligence circles and in the media those responsible for such decisions will end such schemes. They will never bow to internal or external pressure and will continue to take concrete counter-action as and when necessary. It’s a dirty world and people will continue to play dirty games. To think otherwise would be naïve.