I'm sorry, I don't understand this diatribe.

UNIFIL was in the process of clearing the operation with the Lebanese. The Israeli ego wouldn't allow the IDF to wait for permission. Instead it had to show them who was Boss: "Nobody's gonna tell us we can't shop down that tree! So what if people die and we start a war!" They could have waited another couple hours to allow UNIFIL to clear the operation. They decided to flex their muscles and one of them paid with his life. I have sympathy for the man's family, but the blame is at least partially with his superiors and their machismo attitudes.

You mean like the 'many' Israelis who died as a result of all of the rocket attacks from Gaza? All three of them? Compared to the thousands of civilians the IDF targeted in Lebanon and Gaza? Ah yes, it was self defense! All of those pregnant Arab women constantly throwing baby bottles at the IDF... and then cowardly hiding behind their children! Forget the fact that Israel used illegal munitions and purposely targeted non-military sites... it was all self defense! Your combined stupidity amazes me, but I guess it really shouldn't.

Because doing what Israel thinks is best has worked so well for you in the past. The fruits of this policy can be seen in the number of countries you can count as friends, not to mention the number of people who simply want to kick your arrogant asses and spank you like the spoiled children you emulate. When Israel finally bites off more than it can chew (which will be soon if it doesn't get a different government), you better freaking pray that the US has a President who cares as much about Israel as Obama does. You know, when we drag your asses out of the fire that you are purposely starting with Iran.

The thing that irritates many of you Israelis is that some of us Americans have taken the time to study up on the history of the Palestine region, to read and debate and learn... only to still end up condemning Israel for the injustices and outright atrocities it has committed in the name of self defense, and worse, Eretz Israel. I would wager that I have a wider understanding of the region and all of its subtleties than you, one who lives there. There are only 3 arguments from the right wing; 1) We are Jews and can do whatever we want because we have the covenant. 2) If you disagree with the right wing, you must be ignorant of the facts. And 3) If you disagree with us, you are anti-Semitic. Problem is, some of us don't give a hoot what it says in your little religious storybook. The other two arguments are so ridiculous as to not even warrant serious discussion.

Well said Sean, but this forum is only open to people who espouse the Israeli viewpoint. There is no room for truth telling in here. BTW, you must be an anti-semite, or you are ignorant of the facts. Just figured I would save the rabid right wingers some typing.