Israel Expands War Against Hezbollah

 

Israel continues to expand the conflict in the Middle East. Hezbollah when Gaza was attacked aided the resistance by firing rockets into Israel. What Israel did was respond with an act of terrorism. Across Lebanon pagers exploded. This was not designed to harm the leadership, but also attack the Lebanese population. The West Bank is also being absorbed into the Israeli state. What Israel claimed was an operation to free hostages and do a punitive operation against Hamas is really annexation. The long term goal is to destroy armed resistance to colonization efforts. The discussion of a two state solution or the creation of one is not possible under these conditions. The Knesset voted against a two state solution. The conflict with Lebanon has much to do with occupation. Lebanon was under Israeli occupation from 1985 to 2000. Although Israel withdrew they maintain the Shebaa Farms. The argument is that it was not part of the Golan Heights. Disputes over borders remain and this also involves complaints by Syria. Israeli may be seeking to add Ghajar to its domains. Hezbollah objects to this change in borders. Kfar Chouba is also remains a disputed area. When Israel engaged in a war with Hezbollah in 2006, they lost. Another outcome like that could be possible. What is precarious is Israel's move to regional war. Syria could get involved as well as Iran. Jordan and Egypt might be pressured by their citizens to abandon treaties made with Israel. Turkish public opinion tends to favor the Palestinian cause. The push for the creation of Greater Israel makes the region more unstable. West Asia is getting closer to a massive conflict similar to the Six Day War  in 1967.   

Israel and Gaza Conflict Escalates

 

Israel has conducted air strikes against  the Gaza Strip. Hamas has retaliated with rocket attacks. The outbreak of violence demonstrates that there has to be an end to occupation and blockade that Palestinians have been living under. The UN has warned that this could escalate into full scale war. However, there have been minimal actions taken in response to Israel's aggression directed at the Palestinians. Sanctions or discontinuing diplomatic relations have never been used as punishment for Israel.  A conflict similar to 2006 would most likely attract other Arab nations. Israeli Arab citizens have voiced there condemnation of  the state's military operations. Anger will grow as long as the racial hierarchy remains part of the political system. Zionism has transformed to advocate expansion outside the original borders intended in the establishment of the Jewish state. The recent developments could be the beginning of another Intifada. There were two mass uprisings between 1987 to 1993 and 2000 to 2005. Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu  is using the recent crisis to extend his rule. Charges of corruption and abuse of power threatened his government. War can stall him from being removed from office. Simultaneously, the extremist elements are growing more powerful within the Likud Party. Settlement construction  will continue and evictions of Palestinian families are happening in  Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. Violence also was reported coming from Israeli law enforcement at the al-Aqasa Mosque. Arabs inside Israel have faced discrimination and police brutality for many years. Gaza has been locked off with supplies and resources being blocked by Israel. The violence and discontent is a culmination of  an  oppressive system. If occupation and land seizures continue Israel could resemble a country similar to Apartheid South Africa.