Start over - Haaretz - Israel News

This column by Ari Shavit in today's Haaretz is another important read for anyone conflicted about Israel's military action. Shavit begins by criticizing the performance of the government, and he calls for a unilateral three-day cease-fire from Israel to re-establish the moral high ground and "start the war over" on the right moral footing. But his main point should not be missed:

"The main problem is political. Israel is currently waging the most just war in its history. Not a war of occupation, but rather a war of defense. Not a settlements war, but rather a Green Line war. A war over the validity of an international border that was drawn, defined and recognized by the United Nations. Therefore, anyone who yearns for Israel to withdraw in future from occupied territories to recognized permanent borders must stand by Israel in this war. Anyone who wants peace, stability and an end to the occupation must back up Israel in its just war. The alternative is a violent and hemorrhaging Middle East chaos. "