以色列和“割草”的消亡

ISRAEL AND THE DEMISE OF“MOWING THE GRASS”T.X.HAMMESAUGUST 19,2014COMMENTARY“Israel is acting in accordance with a mowing the grass”strategy.”Professor Efraim Inbar and Dr.Eitan ShamirUnable to find a political solution to its protracted conflict with Hamas,Israel employs restrained military force todisrupt Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens.But,over time,Hamas capabilities inevitably increase and its attacks becomemore effective.At this point,Israel will conduct a major operation to reduce Hamas capabilities.In essence,it“mowsthe grass.”It hopes that these periodic major operations will provide periods of quiet,but knows that the quiet will lastonly until Hamas rebuilds its offensive capabilities.And then Israel will once again conduct a major operation.Like ahomeowner,Israel has to mow the grass to keep it from growing out of control.No one thinks this“strategy”will bring lasting peace.Rather,it is an operational approach required by the inability ofthe political elements of either side to resolve the underlying causes of the conflict.No Palestinian leader can provideassurances that all Palestinian organizations will stop attacks against Israel,and no Israeli leader can assure the