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malaise

(268,698 posts)
Mon Jul 28, 2014, 03:55 PM Jul 2014

When I served, the Israeli military was the most moral in the world. No more

Seven years later, during Operation Cast Lead, there was widespread dropping of bombs over densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip. Today, in Operation Protective Edge, the air force boasts of having released over 100 one-tonne bombs on Gaza. What was once the exception is now the policy.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jul/28/israeli-military-most-moral-no-more-outrage-indifference
<snip>
This is how it goes today. We notify the inhabitant about the imminent destruction of a house minutes before a bomb drops (via text messages, or by dropping a smaller bomb on the house as a warning). That is enough to turn it into a legitimate target for an air strike. In the past two weeks dozens of civilians have been killed in such strikes.

Homes of Hamas members have become legitimate targets, regardless of the number of people within their walls. Unlike in 2002, no one bothers to justify or make excuses.

What’s worse is that almost no one protests. Entire families are erased in a second, and the Israeli public remains indifferent. From year to year, from one military operation to another, our moral red lines are stretching further away. Where will they be in the next operation? Where will they be 10 years from now?

I know how hard it is to ask questions during times of conflict as a soldier. The information that the officers get in real time is always partial. That’s why the responsibility for drawing the red lines, and alerting when we cross it, lies with the public. A clear, loud voice that says that bombing a house with civilians in it is immoral must be heard. These killings cannot be accepted without question. Public silence in the face of such actions – inside and outside of Israel – is consent by default, and acceptance of an unacceptable price.

Read the entire piece and then weep.
You're on your own Israel.

16 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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When I served, the Israeli military was the most moral in the world. No more (Original Post) malaise Jul 2014 OP
Thanks malaise. It's good too hear from people like this, otherwise we could begin to think that sabrina 1 Jul 2014 #1
I have noticed that good and moral Jewish DUers have not posted any OPs in about three weeks since monmouth3 Jul 2014 #2
Maybe they are embarrassed or scared... awoke_in_2003 Jul 2014 #3
there have been a lot of anti semetic attacks, people often use things like israeli/palestinian JI7 Jul 2014 #4
Here? Do you have any examples? Comrade Grumpy Jul 2014 #7
hehehe JI7 Jul 2014 #8
Yeah, I thought not. Just more BS from the usual suspects. Comrade Grumpy Jul 2014 #10
Maybe we aren't simply "first Jews". eggplant Jul 2014 #13
In 2002, the Israeli army was the most moral in the world? oberliner Jul 2014 #5
Which military is now the "most moral" in the world? former9thward Jul 2014 #6
I refuse countryjake Jul 2014 #9
.... DeSwiss Jul 2014 #12
Thanks for those videos, DeSwiss. countryjake Jul 2014 #15
K&R DeSwiss Jul 2014 #11
Being the most moral army is kinda like EvolveOrConvolve Jul 2014 #14
kickety countryjake Jul 2014 #16

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
1. Thanks malaise. It's good too hear from people like this, otherwise we could begin to think that
Mon Jul 28, 2014, 04:00 PM
Jul 2014

there is no one in that country with ANY morals anymore. I know that is not the case as I've seen the demonstrations by those who opposed Netanyahu and his gang of Right Wing war mongers.

That soldier does more good for Israel than their entire government put together.

monmouth3

(3,871 posts)
2. I have noticed that good and moral Jewish DUers have not posted any OPs in about three weeks since
Mon Jul 28, 2014, 04:22 PM
Jul 2014

the conflicts started and that makes me sad. Of course they are first Jews, but on DU I would hope they feel they can express their opinions, at least here, for us to opine on without retribution. Perhaps not but it should not be that way...

JI7

(89,240 posts)
4. there have been a lot of anti semetic attacks, people often use things like israeli/palestinian
Mon Jul 28, 2014, 05:18 PM
Jul 2014

conflict as an exuse to attack.

 

Comrade Grumpy

(13,184 posts)
7. Here? Do you have any examples?
Mon Jul 28, 2014, 05:25 PM
Jul 2014

I see a lot of attacks on Israeli policy.

I see a lot of accusations of anti-semitism.

I see a lot of trying to cover up for Israel by making accusations of anti-semitism.

former9thward

(31,940 posts)
6. Which military is now the "most moral" in the world?
Mon Jul 28, 2014, 05:24 PM
Jul 2014

Which military attempts to warn civilians of an attack? Ours does not. Who does? Who is the most moral since Israel has been displaced on your list?

countryjake

(8,554 posts)
9. I refuse
Mon Jul 28, 2014, 05:34 PM
Jul 2014


WATCH: Israeli teen refuses to serve in army, likely to face jail time Published July 28, 2014
Dozens of supporters, including past refusers, hold demonstration outside Haifa draft board office in solidarity with 19-year-old Udi Segal.
http://972mag.com/watch-israeli-teen-refuses-to-serve-in-army-likely-to-face-jail-time/94538/


countryjake

(8,554 posts)
15. Thanks for those videos, DeSwiss.
Tue Jul 29, 2014, 01:03 AM
Jul 2014

Tho I already had them (and that site) bookmarked, their message will never get old.

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