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US: Israel has right to defend itself
Ronny Sofer and Reuters
Published: 01.07.06, 08:22
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27 Talkbacks for this article
1. bolton
will ,   australia   (07.01.06)
Way to go John Bolton, you are the best US ambassador to the UN ever! Keep up the good work!
2. ???
(07.01.06)
I wonder had hamas killed the soldier with the other two, would israel do the same??? Do they prefer the soldier being killed than alive and captured???
3. I Concur with John Bolton...
Ogbonnaya ,   Antioch, CA, USA   (07.01.06)
I admire what the US ambassador to the UN John Bolton had to say; here are some abstracts: "The best way to resolve the crisis was for Hamas to quickly and unconditionally release the captured Israeli corporal, Gilad Shalit," he said. "We call on all parties to avoid action that can escalate this situation or harm innocent civilians while acknowledging Israel's unequivocal right to defend itself and the lives of its citizens," the US envoy said. He has said it all - releasing Gilad Shalit is the pathway to lessen the already aggravated tensions. Israel has the right to defend herself and the lives of all her citizens. Hizbullah, Hamas and all groups alike should be sensible to end all acts of terror. Remember, he who lives by the sword, will die by the sword. If these groups continue to seek to eliminate Israel; then Israel will likewise seek them all out to eliminate them - hook or crook. The pathway to peace is Dialogue and the cessation of all acts of Terrorism. This is my take.
4. UN HYPOCRITES MUST FREE SUDAN'S JIHAD SLAVES & IDF SOLDIER!
Linda Rivera ,   New York   (07.01.06)
Bible, Leviticus 24:17 "If a man takes the life of any human being, he shall surely be put to death" Black Africans are the indigenous people of Sudan and are the majority population. The black Southern Sudanese Christians explain what "peace" means: If you agree to become a Muslim, you will have peace. If you reject Islam, you are at war. From 1955-1973, 1.5 million Christians were slaughtered by the Arab Muslim government in Khartoum. From 1983-2005, two million more Christians died from Khartoum's jihad. Murdering infidels is not considered a crime. Non-Muslim infidels are regarded as not entitled to human rights. Hundreds of thousands of Christians have been raped. Hundreds of thousands of Christian children and women taken for slaves. In the refugee camps, the Islamo-Fascist religious supremacist Khartoum government requires refugees to become Muslims in order to receive food and water. The genocide has resulted in the largest population of refugees on earth since the Second World War. The jihad in Sudan against Darfur's black African Muslims by Khartoum's racist Arab Muslim regime began in 2003. 400,000 black Muslims are dead. STOP Genocide - STOP Slavery - FREE the Slaves http://www.iabolish.org/ Bible, Exodus 21:16 "He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death"
5. And how, pray tell, Mr. Bolton,
D- ,   San Diego, USA   (07.01.06)
can Israel both defend itself & restrain itself at the same time? Since Israel's rare "offensive" began, 2 Israel citizens have been abducted and killed by Palestinians and 1 Palistinian militant was killed while firing an anti-tank missile. For all the bruhaha, this can barely even be scored as an Israeli offensive.
6. Israel has the right.
Dr. Rick ,   USA   (07.01.06)
Finally we are making a slight bit of progress at the UN. Besides pointing the finger at Syria and Iran,the UN should start really poking them hard regarding their state sponsored terrorism. The UN should maintain its present stance and Israel should be allowed to continue to defend itself unfettered by international concerns and pursue its intended objectives for the lives of its people, as well as for the life and rescue of its kidnapped soldier. The arrest of the Hamas government thugs may seem problematic to some, but the morality of the action taken by Israel is on their side.
7. Israeli offensive is a joke!
roger ,   usa   (07.01.06)
8. US: Israel has right to defend itself
joe   (07.01.06)
Of course. By jailing 1 million people for over 35 years, harrassing them in every possible way, depriving them of every days basic needs. Just like the USA has the right to defend his country by invading Iraq by its soldiers, who gang-rape women and then kill her whole family. AND IN THE END PUT THE BLAME ON THIS "TARRRRORISTS"!! Now, Mr. Idiot Bolton, the world knows what peace and freedom "USraeli-style" looks like!
9. Admirable tactics
sonia ,   israel   (07.01.06)
In the short term, Olmert and Peretz's tactics are great and exactly what needs to be done. In the long term the Palestinians or Hamas and other related terror groups are winning as they have already placed one term and one idea in the world's unconscious, so much so that even we believe it: The term is the name for us: occupiers. It has no personality, no history, just an accusatory term. The idea is that this land belonged to the Palestinians, and that we came, invaded and stole the land from them. The idea is an oversimplification and its' truth debatable. But the tactic is so clever, because in everyone's hearts the idea that it is okay to terrorize the the "occupier" is totally acceptable. Why aren't we ever questioning publicly this term, and why aren't we claiming loud and clear that this is our land? Just for the sake of fighting, if not for any other reason. Because this seems central to all arguments, and what the real fight is about, is whose land is this anyway? This tactic is strongest of all weapons, verbal and nonverbal.
10. TY MR BOLTON
haim ,   mtl canada   (07.01.06)
how nice of u whn on the other side ur ssshitti rice doesent stop calling olmert telling him not to enter gaza this is great we r still taking orders from bush we will soon go to hell if we dont stop tht we r loosing the war already so wake up israel
11. #9.I dont EXACTLY agree. although you are partially right
Alan ,   SA   (07.01.06)
Saaeb Erekat of" Massacres, Massacres" and" Occupation Occupation" is the master of this sort of propaganda. The Countries which count are realising that this isnt quite true.The third world,however, will never support Israel's position. Neither will the "mothers milk" Jewhaters of Europe. The worm is turning after a realisation that Hamas, El Queda and similar organisations are out to change the world along the lines of "Islam will rule the World- ,not just correct some perceived wrong in some or other country..Bombings in London Madrid Bali (for Australia) NY Sinai.etc havnt helped their cause. Israel can never eliminate, totally ,terrorism, only keep it down. The last thing the Pals want is for Israel to withdraw from West Bank or Gaza.. Thats why the Gaza story is todays news. They want a one state solution where the womb is mightier than the sword so they can overwhelme the Jewish character of the state. The wall/barrier must be completed ASAP and where neccessary measures taken by all means to limit terrorist activity from these "extramural" places .
12. to #8 : How ignorant can you be
me   (07.01.06)
Israel reached out the PAL time after time for peace but unfortunately time after time they rather pay back in terror attacks. When israel evacuated GAZA without asking from the PAL anything in return [except a partner for peace], instead of welcoming this move the PAL gave israel a rain of kassams,they are ungrateful. You give them a finger they want the whole hand.
13. Nr. 12
joe   (07.01.06)
Now stop telling this kin d of crap like reaching out for peace blablabla. Israel always DICTATED their "Peace terms": Israel keeps control of water Israel keeps control of airspace Israel keeps contol of borders Israel keeps control of foreign affairs. Israel, Israel, and again Israel wants to keep the occupied territory as a big JAIL. Every sentenced criminal in Europe has more rights under prison regulations than this opressed Palestinians under an "Israeli Peace Agreement"!!!
14. Totally agree with Sonia.
Angela ,   The Haque, Holland   (07.01.06)
Don,t listen to the UN (United Nothing) but follow your own route, Israel!
15. Right U R #8
Zag ,   SA   (07.01.06)
It is better for the israelis to release the 12,000 palestinians they held in Aushevitz tanks, including children and pregnant women whom delivered their babies in these death cells. Then they claim their artillery youngman BRAVE soldier whom was captured like a goat. Never the less, seizing 1.3 million palestinians in gaza will not bring your rabbit back. so calm down, let Dr. BOLTON shut up and talk about Iraqi scandals of Abu Ghreib and Guantanamo bay. Wash your hands then your brains, befor asking to relaese a soldier captured inside a tank, then claiming he was kidnapped from bed. Is that CLEAR, I know it is, and you .....
16. Bush ,Bolton,Rice- Israel has Limited right
Marcel ,   Florida   (07.01.06)
The key word here is Limited . Another often used word by the hypocrites who play both sides to Israel is restraint,restrained. You see ,the US will never permit Israel to defeat the growing Palestinian threat. Only tiny operations are permitted which never accomplish anything. Only a weak Israeli leader is permitted to rule . tey would never alllow a strong Jewish leader to win an election in Israel ,their controlled meida would destroy him first.
17. Bolton is the best
Brod   (07.01.06)
Bolton is the best American Representative to the UN. He should be the Secretary of State. He is brilliant, strong and courageous.
18. to Joe, #8 & #13
Tolik ,   Tel Aviv & Phila   (07.01.06)
You say: By jailing 1 million people for over 35 years, harrassing them in every possible way, depriving them of every days basic needs. Israel always DICTATED their "Peace terms" Israel keeps control of water Israel keeps contol of borders Israel keeps control of foreign affairs. Israel, Israel, and again Israel wants to keep the occupied territory as a big JAIL. Every sentenced criminal in Europe has more rights under prison regulations than this opressed Palestinians under an "Israeli Peace Agreement"!!! However the truth is: 35 years? How about almost 60 years of a war to destroy Israel? Name 1 Arab country which recognized Israel's right to exist prior to "occupied" territories in 1967. "Dictated" peace terms it's just the terms to ensure safe future of the country, by preventing millions of hostile Palestinians from coming to pre 1967 Israel proper, and excanging some Israeli land for some West Bank hills, needed to defend 9-miles wide country. Water control? Don't Israel supply Palestinian with Israeli water? So much for control. Control of airspace and borders? Indeed you must be a moron if you condemn Israel for preventing weapons smuggling through PA borders, and opening air space for 9/11-style attack. Foreign affairs? I think that PA has more votes in UN than Israel. Keep counting all these Arab and Muslim states, plus those who depend on their oil. Big Jail? You mean this fence and block posts? Just think about what palestinian terrorists would do without fence and block posts. In that case I want you to be in Israel at that time. As for every criminal having more rights? How about Arabs keeping Israeli POWs without giving any information, not even whether alive or dead? Let alone killing them first and then demanding prize for telling about that.
19. US: Israel has right to defend itself
(07.01.06)
Yes, sure the same way the US are defending themself in Bagdad. The US and Israel are gangster countries that don't care about international laws. This two nations are killing arab civilians on a regular basis, most of US and Israeli generals could be sentenced as war criminals. They are heading the world in a very destructive war. Resistance to a foreign occupation is a legitimate and universal right. By this kind of statement, the US show the world they can't play a positive role in the Middle EAST.
20. #8 come here
Israel   (07.01.06)
The prisoners that in Israel jail are there because they tried to make a terror act inside of Israel. The Israeli soldier that kidnap is in Gaza because he defend on his country from terrorists. Imagine a bus transport childrens that ends by destruction and deat by terrorist act. Now imagine it happens in restaurant, teen disco and even just walk in the street, ends by death and destruction. by terrorist. Now imagine it in your hometown... We will continue to defend ourself against the terror. and people like you who don't understand nothing better to shut up!
21. #13 Joe little steps!
(07.01.06)
Joe peace is achieved with little steps. One step at a time! Israel voted for peaceful goverment and left Gaza and waited for similar grasp for peace from Palestinians. But Palestinians voted for Israel denying Hamas and launched rocket barrages against Israel! Palestinians don't want peace it's bad for their EU money business. instead of picking up shovel and get down and dirty and build up nation they take the easy way out
22. #9 and #14
sonia ,   israel   (07.01.06)
Please don't misinterpet what I am saying. I am saying the undercurrent of Israel being labeled, "occupier" has been going on too long without being verbally challenged. This is dangerous, as it gives legitmacy to terrorism, even in what we consider the civilized world. I am not to the right, to the left, or even hate the Palestinians, but it is very clear the whole population hates all of Israel, and that we are definitely at war with them until peace has been reached. The war of words and semantics is definitely as important, if not more, than the war of guns, and artillery. We are verbally attacking terrorism, but we don't understand, that the world will support terrorism if it feels it is justified: and throughout history rebellion has been used to bring down regimes. Do we see ourselves as a regime, worse yet a regime of occupiers? I think not, but unless we tackle this head on, verbally and in public, and consistently, by challenging the term and idea, this is the way the world is going to begin seeing us, if they don't already.
23. joe
tony ,   paris   (07.01.06)
Go smoke another joint,you have absolutly NO idea what you are yapping about..
24. Israel has every right
joseph newman ,   ediburgh scotland   (07.01.06)
of course Israel has the right to destroy power stations, demolish homes, confiscate other people's land under the security pretext. It has the right to kidnap, torutre and lay siege. It has every right to claim to be democratic. It has the right to lie. It has the right to defend the lies. It has the right to occupy land and then deny the inhabitants the right to resist. Might is right,, and if the US Tax-Payer is payting for it, it is very right. Well done Olmert.
25. Nr. 21
joe   (07.01.06)
**peace is achieved with little steps. One step at a time!** Step by step Israel ist taking occupied palestinian land for this criminal "settlers", who are, no wonder, mostly from the US. At the same time limiting the movement of palestinians, who have lived there for generations, by walls, fences and hundreds of checkpoints. And don't tell me, Israel left the settlements in Gaza for the sake of peace. Eiher it became to expensive to protect them or they were no more profitable. Did the water overthere became to salty? From: http://www.american.edu/TED/ice/GAZA.HTM **Yet, Israelis in Gaza have no restrictions on water consumption. Rather, their consumption is subsidized, encourgaing overuse and misuse (Isaac 1997). They have also been favored through selective appropriation of agricultural land having the best groundwater quantity and quality, and uneven pricing schemes. Gaza Palestinians pay up to $1.20/cubic meter while Israeli settlers only pay $0.10/cubic meter for water. Elmusa (1994) states that "relative to per capita income, Palestinians pay as much as twenty times what Israeli settlers pay for water." Discriminatory Israeli water policies in Gaza can be viewed as an attempt to transfer the brunt of water scarcity to Palestinians while buffering Israelis. As such, Israeli settlements prosper in the midst of a faltering Palestinian economy. This widening gap can only continue to foment substantial conflict between the two communities.** And this racist policy, together with daily harrassment and collective punishment Israel applies to all the occupied territory. So, how can You talk about achieving peace "one step at a time"? Oh, I forgot, its land promised by God. Must be a nice God!!!
26. UN HYPOCRITES Know 80% of PA MUSLIMS Want ISRAEL DESTROYED
Linda Rivera ,   New York   (07.01.06)
May 2003 Pew Global poll: 80% of Palestinians agreed with the statement: "The rights and needs of the Palestinian people cannot be taken care of as long as the State of Israel exists." The Road Map Islamic terror state in Gaza, Judea, Samaria and parts of Holy Jewish Jerusalem will reduce TINY Israel to an INDEFENSIBLE 6-10 miles wide border. It is evident that the U.S. EU UN and Russia in their all-consuming desire for a global Islamic terror state on Jewish land, have taken the side of the terrorists and the terror-supporting society against the Jewish people. There is no war on terror. The war is against Jewish innocents. Nothing has changed since the Holocaust.
27. The headline
yakov shani ,   Israel   (07.02.06)
Is this some new concept ? A new ideaology ? Will it work ? Has it ever been tried before by others ? I would not hasten to try it out before we have the results of a pilot, or the benefit of experience.
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