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

Dr. Aaron Lerner
IMRA
08 October 09

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.
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