...And you see yourself as being very different from the "radical intellectual left", Gadi?

Having grown to adulthood in a Marxist society, I have to admit that the Israeli left isually appears nauseatingly apologist for the self-proclaimed enemies of Israel (and Jews everywhere) that wish to (and are putting their wishes into action) destroy Israel. During periods of National Emergency & War the Left should confine themselves to contructive issues promoting National unity. As for the Left's priorities, why not be Zionists first, and Leftists second? If Israel loses any war, what will be your fate? The Islamist radicals want to eliminate Israel, kill all Jews AND Marxists - you seem to have a triple threat to yourselves in that case.

the radical left includes Meretz. Anyone who votes for Meretz is speeding up the destruction of the jewish State and giving aid and comfort to our enemies

Time to grow up. I would have more respect if this article was written during the 80s and 90s, even in 2000, before it came down to Red Haifa and the North being blitzed by terrorists and Israel facing disaster.

This is elementary common sense. If you hamper the war effort of one side you automatically help that of the other. Nor is there any real way of remaining outside such a war as the present one. In practice, ‘he that is not with me is against me’. http://www.orwell.ru/library/articles/pacifism/english/e_patw

Where did Mr. Taub hear that only a "small circle of leftists who view themselves as radical" are protesting the current campaign in Lebanon? Perhaps he should keep abreast of news around him, of mainstream Meretz, Shalom Achshav, and thousands of other Israeli citizens acting on their own with loved ones fighting in Lebanon who have expressed serious doubt about our current war. Perhaps Mr. Taub should look at why someone may conclude that if we are in fact on the "weak" side this time, as he states, we best turn to a new strategy if we are to protect our loved ones. Most importantly, perhaps Mr. Taub should review his history books. Perhaps he would realize that in protesting policies with which they disagree, these "radical" are exercising that right which Israel prides itself on, as many of its Arab neighbors cannot--free speech. Democracy, sir, is what we are all trying desperately to hold on to.

Meretz & Peace Now is hardly what one would call 'mainstream'. Mainstream mean 'the prevailing current of thought'. Meretz & groups like Peace Now have never prevailed in anything, let alone been majorities anywhere. Is this some of the arrogance of the left the author is speaking of, this awarding of the crown 'in the minds' of left thinking individuals and the notion of self-importance? Listening to Zahava Galon speak one wants to weep for what has happened to the 'fringes' of the people of Israel.

The left wing is sick in head probably even retarded! The control the government that is the only possible reason that Peretz called for talks with Syria other than he is on crack. They impeded the victory that we could have received by fighting Hezbollah with ground forces much earlier if it had been done but we have a retarded prime minister in power. God someone kick him out of office and bring Bibi back pleaseeee!!!!!

The only reason this opinion piece and analysis of the "Left" get published is because of the leftist bias of the mainstream press in the world, and in Israel. But, in reality, the Left in Israel has become marginalized, and therefore the radical left somewhat irrelevant, yet the biased press still needs to publicize their inane exploits. After Olmerts failures in Lebanon, the swing to the right of center will be complete in Israel, and what was centrist today will become the new left tomorrow. Liberalism continues to be a philosophy of denial and hope, rather than realism....and in this insane world we live in today, we need to be realists. Lets hope the next prime minister of Israel will be more of a realist and not as much of a politician.....

Well said Gadi.If we were drinking wine at an intellectual soiree in Greenwich Village it would be commendable.Unfortunately the only way to win a war(and we are perpetually at war)Is to match fire with fire.Be a pacificst at home but fight with the same ruthlessness as your adversary.Only a savage ,alert mother can protect her young.This is the dilemma of our nation.How due we wear the duality of humanist and killer?be glad to hear feedback end

how can 'the left' be crazy and useless? without them, there would be no 'the right'. by calling them crazy and useless, you undermine your own position and delegitimize the political process. i'll tell you what the role of the left is: challenging the misguided 'principles' of damaged goods like you...

``Islam does teach that Muslims everywhere are part of a single brotherhood, and we should not stand for injustice," Bunglawala said. ``Extremists have been successful in saying the democratic network has been used and abused -- that you can march all you like, but if [the government] is determined to do something, they will do that." I picked up this quote to use as a point in the double talk that Islamic leaders use with the western "dhimmi" press. Is there justice in Saudi Arabia for Christians or Jews? What does the Sharia says? The left-wing had better start taking the Islamic leadership seriously, they will treat them just as the communist treated their enemies. Except in this case there want be any gulags only graves....

Israel why is Bibi NOT your PM. He is a man of courage and action. I pray for you always. Andy

Btavo, a gutsy fella who says what many wanted to say 50 years ago when it was less fashionable. Thr Left is nothing but another form of fascism-remember what became of the so called well meaning Socialists in Italy & Germany before the War? The sam radical Left produced our biggest traitors, spies for Joe Stalin. Here in America they collude with the most vile and noxious antisemitic elemnts of the anarchist Left, Maoists, violent stone throwers who beat on elderly in peaceful protests. I have seen it all. They are becoming more bitter because their entire philosophy is imploding and their movement is going to pieces. The difference between the countries is less significant than one thinks. Their days are over! Al Ramey

To all you LEFTies, just LOOK were your ideology has brought you, its all down hill. You claim to be a teacher, while it appears you are having difficulties learning a simple lesson.

The sickness of the Israeli radical left parallels some of the European left. But the Israeli left is doubly alienated, because not knowing who they are and who the others are, they think they have to think of themselves as evil European colonizers in the Third World. Jewish colonisers in the land of the Bible? Hebrew invaders of the land of the Hebrews? What are the 800.000 indigenous Jews who fled their homes in the Middle East, from Machrek to Maghreb? Rightfully evacuated settlers of Arab soil? And should they feel guilty about living on land previously owned by Arabs when young Iraki's or Egyptians don't even remember there were ever Jews on the land they think they rightfully own, and in the houses they might live in. Who invaded whom? Who expelled whom? The Middle East, perfect recepy for schizophrenia.