The Islamic golden triangle

When the Arab regimes and organizations around us realized that a classic military war waged by an Arab army against the IDF would inevitably bring about their defeat, some opted for peace with Israel by lack of choice, while others, and particularly Islamic organizations, started seeking a new method of war. And they found it.

It is the sophisticated "resistance" model that was used against us in the last Intifada and during the Second Lebanon War, and it's high time we understand it and learn how to combat it.

I term this model the "Golden Triangle," as it provides three triangular benefits to the Arab parties employing it. The first side of the triangle is shifting the fighting from the military front to the Israeli home front, particularly by use of missiles but also by suicide bombers and guerilla activity against IDF soldiers.

The moment a missile is fired at Israel, the other side perceives itself as the victor. The most important aspect for the other side is to shift the war into Israeli territory "and to pierce the castle walls." The shock in Israel, the outcry and the loss of a sense of security mark a psychological triumph.

There are also civilians on the second side of the triangle: Arab civilians. How does Israel respond to an attack on Lebanese territory or on the Territories? Many Arab civilians are hurt and the terrible consequences are aired in the international media. This is the Arab side's second benefit: The massive media and global awareness benefit.

It was Khomeini who during the massive demonstrations against the Shah ordered that children be placed at the head of the demonstration parade, arguing that if the Shah's soldiers kill children, media and moral gains would be doubled.

Aggressive deterrent policy

The third side of the triangle comes after the actual assault, namely the shockwaves that go through Israel: Commissions of inquiry, political turmoil and social instability. This is Nasrallah's perception, which aims to see Israeli democracy destroying itself.

On this front it was important to reach some form of maturity in our media and to understand that outsiders are misusing our democracy. This objective was not achieved after the last war.

How can we contend with this triangular model, which combines military, psychological, civilian and awareness conflicts? Firstly, by exposing it and understanding it. Once we become familiar with the strategies used against us, we could neutralize or minimize some of the enemy's gains.

As to missiles and terror, there is a need for an aggressive deterrent policy that would exact a high toll and continue to sow confusion on the other side. There is also room for an Israeli diplomatic assault aimed at de-legitimizing the use of civilians in war antics.

With regards to the second side of the triangle, it is necessary to evacuate the entire civilian population prior to any military move. It should be made clear to the world that using civilians as a weapon of war is in dire contradiction of the West's values and democracy; this is particularly important ahead of future military maneuvers.

And finally, understanding the tactics and the way we are exploited by Palestinians and Shiites is likely to strengthen our resilience and social maturity, embolden our self-confidence, and thus hopefully direct the enemy's tactics towards itself. Thus, the "Golden Triangle" will start working in our favor.