GOVT 480 DB FORUM 4 2 REPLIES DUE 9/28/2020

CAN YOU DO THIS FOR ME DUE 9/28/2020

 You must post 2 replies of at least 200 words each to other classmates' threads. 

Each reply must incorporate at least 1 citation. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, and electronic sources (excluding Wikipedia).

 Submit your replies by 10:59 p.m. (CST) on Monday of the assigned module/week. 

1st reply

 Nicholas Dziama 

Israel has implemented numerous tactics in its response to terrorism throughout its violent history. One of the more successful actions taken was the construction of their “security barriers” along the Western Bank and Gaza as well as what are known as Targeted assassinations. The most important thing to remember when considering “targeted assassinations is that they are a tactic not an strategy and it is non-sustainable. It is however highly effective at neutralizing specific terror threats and Israel’s security agency, the Shin Bet, believes that every time they successfully complete a targeted assassination it directly translates to the prevention of the killing of 16-20 Israeli citizens. The problem with this type of tactic is that it merely mirrors the intelligence being gathered. The effectiveness of the policy is called into doubt because it has not prevented–and may have contributed to–record numbers of Israeli civilians being killed (David, 2012). For every terrorist identified through surveillance or intel and subsequently assassinated, there are equally others ready to assume the position that was just eliminated. This is unsustainable and ineffective. The correct approach is that of a “COIN” approach or Counterinsurgency strategy which systematically breaks apart the capabilities of the group as well as directly deals with the issue that the group is ultimately in support of. This technique provides a more diplomatic approach and although requires far more work and time has proven to be the most effective way to dismantle terror group. By implementing walls and targeted assassinations Israel is ultimately doing the opposite and creating more hostility and providing terror groups with a larger platform to express their cause. The problem that Israel has that is unique to their geographical and historical landscape is that they must give up land to the Palestinians in order to foster peace between the two nations. Many scholars and historians believe that this is the key to virtually eliminating the unrest that has been occurring for centuries in Israel. The major issue with this is that Israel is unwilling to admit that that decision could potentially hold the key to regional peace. “Counterterrorism is a shadow war carried out far from the public's eye. It is a war of prevention. Success is an uneventful day in which people go about their lives without being killed, maimed, or stunned by a blast. It is a war without celebrated victories: public consciousness is much better in recording those days in which prevention failed than those of normalcy” (Luft, 2003).

References

David, S. R. (2012). Israel's Policy of Targeted Killing. Cambridge University Press, 111-126.

Luft, G. (2003). The Logic of Israel's Targeted Killing. Middle East Quarterly, 3-13.

2nd reply

 Mike Shelor 

 God had already promised that Israel would be protected. Isaiah 60:12 states “For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted” (King James Version, 2020). From the events of World War II to the current confrontations with Hamas, Israel has always been under some form of attack. “The IDF has amoral obligation to protect the Israeli public from the terrorist armies surrounding us. When the Israeli home front is threatened by thousands of missiles and rockets, we will not hesitate to forcibly attack [the enemy] to neutralize these threats” (Shoval, 2020).

 The Arab states declared war on the new Jewish State, Israel, in 1948. Through their deceptive and mis directed anti-Semitic propaganda, the Arabs have produced a list of demands and claims against the Israeli State:

 Demands

1. “Self determination for “Palestinians” in a new State of Palestine” (Shapiro, 2003);


2. Return of the seized lands;


3. Freedom for the Arab refugees; and


4. Return all property of Arabs.

 Claims

1. The State of Israel evicted the Palestinians and took their country;


2. Jews and Israelis are racists;


3. Jews and Israelis are crueler than the Nazis and are guilty of committing genocide against the Palestinians;


4. Jews have no historical link to Israel;


5. The Palestinians were the native people of Palestine; and


6. Palestinians justify their terrorist actions as opposition to Israel’s occupation.

 “The Israeli approach to counterterrorism (CT) is unique because terrorism there is ever-present and take many forms; it may occur from within Israel, it may take place from Palestinian -territories, it may come from across the border or from further afield” (Kfir, 2018). From this consistent threat, Israel has constructed a multi-level design to prevent any instance. This design may involve the usage of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), specialist units, the police, the private district, and the people themselves. Furthermore, in response to the threat, the IDF specializes in counter-IED, urban warfare, and counter-guerrilla warfare strategies.

 The results have been positive so far. From engagements totaling 12, such as the War of Independence (1947-1949), the Yom Kippur War (1973), and recent terrorist’s activities, “A total of 23,741 men and women have been killed defending the land of Israel” (Israel Defense Forces: Israeli Casualties in Battle, 2019). What Israel continues to demonstrate is that terrorism is not something that can be conquered, but something that can be learned to live with.

References

Israel Defense Forces: Israeli Casualties in Battle. (2019, May 3). Jewish Virtual Library. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/israeli-casualties-in-battle-1860-present

Kfir, I. (2018, September 27). Israel's Approach to Counterterrorism. Real Clear Defense. www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2018/09/27/israels_approach_to_counterterrorism_113843.html#!

Shapiro, B. J. (2003, November 9). How israel Can Defend Itself. ARUTZ SHEVA Israel National News. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/2931

Shoval, L. (2020, May 20). IDF chief: Israel uses wide range of tools to defend itself. ISRAEL HAYOM. www.israelhayom.com/2020/05/20/idf-chief-israel-uses-wide-range-of-tools-to-defend-itself/

New King James Version Bible. (2020). Bible verses About protecting Israel. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Protecting-Israel/