Gilad Sharon
Photo: Avi Cohen
Justice prevails in Rafah
Egypt’s inaction in face of Palestinian terrorism comes back to haunt it
The collapse of the border wall and opening of passage points between the Gaza Strip and Egyptian Rafah is a good development for Israel.
From now on, the Egyptians will be forced to stop playing their double game: On the one hand, give a free hand to smuggling, which is the fuel that stimulates terrorism, while on the other hand demand that Israel refrain from responding to rocket and mortar attacks on the Jewish state’s territory and to express bogus concern for the suffering of Gaza residents.
After all, explosives and other types of weapons were brought into the Strip even before, but now it is clear to everyone that we are no longer responsible for the fate of Gaza residents. Finally, the Egyptians will be forced to assume responsibility, just like the Jordanians, who have been preventing smuggling attempts all along their border with Israel which is hundreds of kilometers long.
Breached Border
(Video) 'It was agreed with Egypt that the way to end border crisis is to renew Palestinian presidential guards' control of Rafah crossing,' says Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki; Egyptian forces step up checkpoints to prevent Palestinian movement further into country
Now everything is clear: This is your border, it is your duty to prevent smuggling, and if you have any ideas in the humanitarian arena – please implement them yourselves.
It is no wonder that the Egyptians have been confused in the last few days. Suddenly they realized that the terror they fueled, which was a flourishing export sector from the Sinai to Gaza, may suddenly become an import item as well. And this may affect their stability.
Wickedness and misery
The ties between terrorists in the Strip and militant opposition elements in Egypt are an existing fact. Terrorism within Egypt would hurt investments and tourism and threaten the regime in Cairo.
Sometimes, justice does prevail. This is what the Egyptians are learning now. Their desire to allow terror to go on in Israel while quietly enjoy the sight of our blood being spilled may now come back to haunt them; because those who go to sleep with terrorists should not be surprised to wake up to terror attacks.
In light of recent developments, we need to build a serious obstacle on our border with Egypt, so that we do not see terrorists coming in through the Sinai.
Meanwhile, it is surprising to hear voices around here bothered by the opening of the Strip to Egypt. Look what the pressure caused, they tell us, we should have shown more restraint in the face of the ceaseless rocket attacks on our communities.
They utter these words, instead of a slight sigh of relief because the responsibility for the pile of wickedness and misery known as the Gaza Strip was formally handed over to someone else – someone who happens to hold significant responsibility for Gaza’s miserable state.
