Lini is completely right in pointing out the diplomatic devastation it already has caused Israel, and is likely to cause further if the order is given to continue Cast Lead.
Barak is right in knowing the tremendous risks both to IDF soldiers and Palestinian civilians were Cast Lead to push into hiper-populated areas. The chances of a disaster are enormous.
Olmert is right too, though. If seen only from the deterrence point of view, everything is given on a silver plate to really knock-out Hamas in a such a way it won`t dare to risk another cast lead while it has a memory.
But if I were there, I would opt for Barak`s and Livni`s standpoint. It has disadvantages, but is the safer option nevertheless. Olmert`s 12 seconds of international understanding are indeed important nevertheless. |
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