Why Let Terror and peace Go Hand and Hand?
Because of this deep-seated hatred, there are many Arabs
willing to engage in terrorist activity against Israel. Even were the Arab leadership to
totally divorce itself from terrorist activity (something which has not yet been done),
there would still be a danger of terrorist activity from individual fanatics.
Unfortunately, however, the danger of terror does not come only from the extremist
fringe. Instead, the Arab leadership actively encourages terror, because terror wins
concessions at the conference table.
A pattern has been established. First demands are made. Then terrorist attacks create a
mood of fear and uncertainty. And afterwards, the Arab leadership clamors that the attacks
are justified because of oppression and explains that the situation can be quieted by
concessions. An agreement is reached and is swallowed by the Israelis.
What has happened? The Arabs have learned that through terror and through clamor they
can win concessions, that the Israelis are willing to sacrifice their security bit by bit
to win temporary calm.
And so the pattern continues. From time to time there is an ebb, but never a cessation.
First Arab demands, then Arab terror, then escalation of the demands, and finally Israeli
concessions.
To counter this trend, Israel must broadcast a clear message: Terrorism will be met
with strength; when caught, terrorists and their families will be punished severely; and
by no means will terrorism be rewarded by concessions.