A Time of Reckoning for Israel

10 October 2023

Dear Readership,

By now most folks on planet earth are aware of the horrific and heartbreaking events of violence that Israel has endured.  Hamas’s attacks on civilian men, women, and children have been atrocious and savage.  The threat to execute hostages is even more vile and revolting. 

As a 20-year military retiree, graduate of the FBI antiterrorist training school, former Commander of three units, and having completed Air Command and Staff College, I feel obligated to add a few thoughts to this clutter from a military perspective. 

There is a big difference between a mechanized military attack and a terrorist operation.  Hamas, and it appears Hezbollah, are a challenge to both strategies.  The recent Hamas attacks are primarily instances of carnage against unsuspecting civilians and were more than just sneak attacks.  Apparently this is an all-out effort by Hamas as reports of paragliding troops and tunnel warfare and other offensive moves abound.  Hamas attacked a police station and killed all 30 officers; part of their plot.  They were planned, organized, and well-equipped.  The latter element includes preparatory setup, long-term logistical (supplies and ammunition) groundwork, and sound intelligence protection.  This wasn’t put together in a short time frame.

Although missiles have been shot into Israel for months now, and this should have been a warning for Israeli intelligence in itself, there was a failure of intelligence awareness on the part of Israel and her allies. Where were the drones? Where were the spy satellite reports? How about human intelligence that the Mossad and other entities normally gather? The popular media is stating that Israel is in control of Gaza. This could not possibly be true They certainly have a presence, but the terrorists no doubt just dropped underground and are posing to strike again. This is the nature of terrorism; 700-1,100 reported Israeli deaths (information sources vary) from this sneak attack have made a big dent in the populace and their confidence in their government to protect them. So what to do about prevention and response?

First, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) must do what the terrorists did and what the US Marine Corps does so well: go door-to-door and tunnel-to-tunnel eradicating every terrorist and sympathizer (those who corroborate and hide guerillas). 

Second, a decision must be made about the future, which would be to totally eradicate this evil bunch from the face of the earth.  There are precedents in Jewish history as follows.

Several portions of the Old Testament contain God’s command to Israel to wipe out all of the Canaanites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and for the most part those residents of the land of Ur.  Please feel free to reread these passages and do further research from other sources.  This destruction included men who could fight against them, women who could from one donor bear children who could rise up in 20 years to threaten Israel again, and children who would be available to do the same.  A total liquidation of Hamas would certainly cause Hezbollah and other Iranian sub-groups to pause and avoid this violent attack.  Harsh, absolutely, but effective, this approach was with Biblical precedent for the “Chosen People.”  Terrorism plays hardball and so should the Mideast’s only democracy.

Third, Israel has already mustered its military might and it should be employed immediately to obliterate Hamas, who have hit and run.  According to the Daily Mail Online they have 300 tanks, 600 warplanes, and 173,000 troops congregated. All are primed for payback against the terrorists. Over 300,000 reservists are registering to fight.

Fourth, the Iron Dome must be sustained by support from the contractors who installed it.  An advanced system has been developed but not yet positioned.

Fifth, Israel must return to its religious roots; what makes them a nation is a common religion.  They must study the Scriptures which inform them of the following:

Psalm 122:6-9.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.  For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.  Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good. 

Proverbs 3:25-26.  Have no fear of sudden disaster, or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

Also, Psalm 91 is the soldiers’ Psalm, and we should all hope and pray for the concepts therein. 

We are all in for a ride, so be prepared, watch the news and buy up some five-gallon gasoline containers.

Regards,

James Hoover, CACM
Captain, USAF (Ret)