Iron Dome in action
Photo: Avi Rokach
Real test yet to come
Op-ed: Despite latest Gaza victory, Israel still a hostage of terror groups and their missiles
The sigh of relief, if there was one, on the 14th floor of Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv – where the offices of the defense minister and IDF chief of staff are located – could be heard far away. Indeed, yet another round in the never-ending war against Gaza Strip rockets has ended.
Hamas-Ruled Territory
Ariela Ringel-Hoffman
Op-ed: Ground incursion will not resolve problem, merely cause Israel to sink in Gaza swamp
In the eyes of senior defense officials, commentators and many civilians, the latest campaign ended with an Israeli victory, almost by knock-out. We pulverized Gaza’s terror groups and terminated the professional career, and lives, of some 20 scoundrels.
Had this endless battle belonged to the sports section, we could settle for that sigh of relief. However, on the 14th floor, just like in our government offices in Jerusalem, the residents must think three or four steps ahead, see the entire process, and prepare to handle the trouble much before millions of Israeli citizens encounter it.
Tens of thousands of missiles
The latest battle was managed well and wisely, yet this is merely one chapter in a long, bloody play. Indeed, our applause for the defense minister, chief of staff and all the others must be kept for the end of the play. Will the actors be willing to take the stage at that time and receive the applause?
Nothing around here is over until it’s over. Israel is still facing a serious threat, which stems from the missile range of Hamas in the south and Hezbollah in the north.
Tens of thousands of missiles may land in almost any site in Israel, and in this respect we are hostages in the hands of terror groups. If they want to, they will embitter our lives.
We are of course allowed to take pride in the IDF’s assassination, counter-terror and interception abilities, to a large part thanks to our Air Force. However, the real test has not yet arrived – and let us hope that it never does.
