Weekly Commentary: Israel should take vocal stand on Fatah-Hamas unity
agreement

Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 8 October 2009

Pop quiz: What weapons systems has Israel deterred Hezbollah or Hamas from
deploying in their respective areas?

Now if the answer to that question is an impressive list of weapons that
would otherwise be pointing at Israel today, then there might be some
credence to the claim that Israel has achieved some degree of deterrence on
these fronts.

But if, instead, it is only thanks to the ongoing efforts of Israel and
other parties that Hezbollah and Hamas have yet to deploy certain weapons
systems, then the quasi-calm some Israelis cite as evidence of deterrence
may be no more than a reflection of the patience these groups to have as
they prepare to attack the Jewish State at a time and place of their
choosing.

Add to the puzzle the unity agreement Hamas is slated to sign with our
"peace partner" Fatah on 25 October in Cairo.

Israeli officials have expressed some concerns over the legitimization of
Hamas and the integration of the Hamas army into the PA army as well as
other possible ramifications of the unity agreement, but with possibly just
around two weeks remaining before a deal may go through, Israel's concerns,
red lines and plans for possible measures should an agreement go through
remain dangerously vague.

Even Israel's stance regarding the deployment of forces from various third
parties in the Gaza Strip and elsewhere remains unclear.

This could cost the Jewish State dearly as arrangements are made that
undermine Israel's interests and needs.

This is hardly the time for Israeli officials to sit back and wait.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il