Being neighbourly in the post-Mubarak Mid East

With the possession of such military capabilities comes the invariable temptation and indeed ability to use it. When the Israel-Hezbollah war erupted in Lebanon in 2006, Israel’s military responded by attacking Lebanese civilian institutions as well as Hezbollah targets instead of focusing its attacks to the latter.

Artillery shelling and aerial bombardments destroyed roads, bridges and buildings including Beirut international airport. Israel’s use of white phosphorous bombs was also highly controversial. The war claimed the lives of approximately 40 Israeli civilians and 1100 Lebanese civilians, not to mention the thousands that were injured as well.

The attacks on civilian targets, while sound to Israeli military strategists, were perceived by many in the Arab world and around the globe as excessive, unfair and akin to collective punishment.

As former UK Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells criticised: “The destruction of the infrastructure, the death of so many children and so many people. These have not been surgical strikes. And it’s very difficult, I think, to understand the kind of military tactics that have been used. You know, if they’re chasing Hezbollah, then go for Hezbollah. You don’t go for the entire Lebanese nation.”

Likewise in Gaza, Israel’s response to rocket attacks carried out by Palestinian militants has been to strike hard and fast. Israel has launched air strikes, carried out a military invasion (Operation Cast Lead in 2008-09) and enforced a blockade of the Strip.

Israel’s right to protect its citizens from rocket or any types of attacks from elements that wish to do it harm is undisputed. However, it’s excessive use of force, attacks on civilian targets and controversial military tactics do raise serious problems.

First, the proportion of civilian casualties is extreme, which has generated condemnation not only from the Arab world but also from Israel’s international allies.

Second, the humanitarian crisis that has developed in Gaza as a result of Israel’s continued blockade of the Strip has focussed international scrutiny on Israel and even provoked activist action. The mobilisation of the “Gaza Freedom Flotilla” to deliver essential supplies to Gaza in defiance of Israel’s naval blockade is a case in point.

Third, the hardships inflicted on the Palestinians in Gaza not only galvanises Arab and Muslim opinion against Israel but also creates domestic problems for neighbouring Arab states. For example, Egypt’s borders were breached in 2008 by Palestinians desperate to buy food and essential supplies.

The seeming disregard for the lives of Arab civilians and more importantly, its handling of the Palestinian conflict are the main reasons why normalisation between Israel and the rest of the Arab world have not been forthcoming.

Even her peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt have not produced the envisaged positive results.