Observation: Border Kibbutzim To Be Litmus Test of Success of Operation
Protective Edge
Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 28 July 2014

When Operation Protective Edge ends, the big question is if the members of
the kibbutzim bordering the Gaza Strip decide to return home.

If, as some talking heads insist, Operation Protective Edge concludes with a
press release that the tunnels have been "taken care of" and with ongoing
security based on a "whack-a-mole" border defense arrangement that relies on
the terrorists generously exiting the tunnels within range of border
security cameras, then there's a definite possibility that they won't go
home.

There is a critical difference between these kibbutz members and their
development town neighbors.

These secular ashkenazi kibbutz members are a well organized collective.

And if they decide not to return home they are going to demand funding to
relocate.

A lot of money,.

The left wing parties will support the demand because they are their
constituents while much of the national camp will back it in order to
embarrass the Government for failing to complete the job in the Gaza Strip.

The refusal of the kibbutz members to return home would be a permanent stain
on the leaders identified with Operation Protective Edge.

Does kibbutznik Defense Minister Yaalon realize this?

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA ________________________________________
IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis

Since 1992 providing news and analysis on the Middle East with a focus on Arab-Israeli relations

Website: www.imra.org.il