Israel's "Hawk" Politicians?

Question

"The Israeli human rights organization B'tselem estimates that 339 Palestinians have been killed in the targeted operations over the past six years. Of those, 210 were the targets and the rest were bystanders."

Is it necessary? Yes or No? and Why?

If you think the numbers are made up, here is proof.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061214/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_targeted_killings

Answer 1

That's state terrorism. You can't go and kill anybody just because you think they are a terrorist, even if you think you know for certain.
Justice has to be seen to be done in a court of law, everithing else is criminal.

Answer 2

First, I have my doubts about B'tselem numbers. B'tselem lists even Palestinians killed by their fellow Palestinians as victims of Israeli actions.

What are the alternatives to targeted operations? I see only two:

1. Doing nothing and waiting for terrorists to strike. No country in the world would do that.

2. Performing non-targeted operations, like carpet bombing (similar to what US-led and UN-approved forces have done in Afghanistan, e.g. Kandahar). This would certainly lead to even more civilian casualties.

Also take into account that other countries, where the terror threat is present (albeit much less than in Israel) and definitely not in constant danger of being wiped of the map, resort to targeted operations (e.g. USA in Yemen, or Russia in Chechnya)

Considering that Palestinians specifically target Israeli civilians, that Israel has a right to defend itself and its population, and that Palestinian "civilians" willingly act as human shields for terrorists: YES, it is necessary.

Answer 3

Necessary? Depends on if you're an Israeli, and your attitude toward Palestinians in general, and Palestinian "terrorists" in particular.

We can talk the talk and "take the moral high ground", but unless we *are* the Israelis, we can never understand their mindset, being surrounded by enemies whose PUBLIC opinion is to wipe you from the face of the earth, with nukes if available. Multiple wars have been fought and uncountable "terrorist incidents" such as rockets into border towns, suicide bombers, and more are common occurences. Imagine being a regular Jewish young adult, only to be lured to your death by Palestinian terrorists who then kidnap you and you simply disappear, just because you're a reservist in Israeli Defense Forces (military service in Israel is compulsory) We have NOT been experiencing that, and thus we are NOT fit to judge them.

You can also blame the "terrorists" for hiding behind "human shields".

Answer 4

I'm sure the people surrounding those targeted arch terrorists were as innocent and pure as fresh fallen snow.

Answer 5

I wonder how many of those "bystanders" were human Shields?