[FireBeyond]

Let us be clear, here. I don't "hate Israel". I have a substantial disagreement with the actions of the current Israeli leadership, which in many ways I find repugnant and inhumane, as I do with the terrorist elements within Palestine, whose actions are also repugnant and inhumane.

Incidentally, even among Jews, my view point is not alone and many have expressed disdain for the extreme policies of the current government.

There is a hardline element in some of the Arab populace who takes a violent approach to Judaism (indeed, many other religions too) - this is regrettable at best, and unlikely to ever be removed.

One of Israel's biggest misgivings (and it's one of the US's) too is a failure to see how it's actions (or reactions) might contribute to the culture in Palestine, the rise of Hezbollah. Undoubtedly many in Palestine -would- love to live their lives freely, peacefully alongside Israel. But Israel's steadfast refusal to see how its approach to "solving" the problem makes enemies of those who might not otherwise support such an organization, but feel helpless. They are the civilians between two warring armies, no different to villagers in Colombia dealing with being between the various guerrilla groups, armies and narcos.

In fact you are guilty of it, too - turning power off to a country for two days because of a rocket attack is not in any way a defensive act. It does not limit the ability of Hezbollah to launch more rocket attacks, but it does limit the ability of the citizens of Palestine to live their lives.

My hope, and my belief is that there -is- a middle ground, that moderates on both sides (be that religious, political, sides of the wall) can and would like to live happily together and that that is achievable.

But it DOES require a change in strategy and tactics in order to succeed. By BOTH sides.

[ank_the_elder]

> There is a hardline element in some of the Arab populace who takes a violent approach to Judaism (indeed, many other religions too) - this is regrettable at best, and unlikely to ever be removed.

Hence why Israel needs to exist, and why it needs to be able to defend itself.

You are apparently unable to see your own thought to the end: if Israel stops defending itself as you suggest, its people will be massacred.