Because of a fortuitous confluence of events and with the help of G-d, Israel successfully managed to interdict the ship laden with lethal weaponry, but we surmise that this minor defeat will not dissuade the Iranians and they will try again.
Israel has but a few real options to consider as it pertains to the incessant rocket attacks from Hamas in Gaza right into Israel’s heartland. Israel could ready itself for another month long air war with Hamas that will no doubt generate awful PR for Israel. As has unfortunately occurred way too many times in the past, the IDF will have its hands tied by the US and if a few Palestinians are killed because Hamas uses them as human shields then it is pretty much a no brainer on who take the rap for that. So, that’s one option to be side lined.
Israel could conceivably continue to fend off the latest barrage of rockets that threaten the lives of school children in Sderot almost every day as they have been doing until this juncture. That phase of operations has also proven to be a lesson in futility as Hamas has posited themselves as more determined as ever to continue dying for the cause.
The concept of retaking Gaza might seem like a shockingly alien one to many, but after thoughtful consideration one can only conclude that it might be the most effective way to stave off the existential threat that Hamas imposes. After the tragedy of the disengagement from Gaza in the summer of 2005, very few thought that Israel would have retake Gaza militarily, but the alternative solutions are fastly becoming slim to none.
Putting an end to the ceaseless rocket attacks that terrorize a nation must be a priority for Israel.
