Attack terror now
July 30, 2008

By SAMSON KRUPNICK

This government has indicated all along that it is not capable of dealing with terrorists. We drove a block from King David Street and saw the action of the bulldozer. We heard the three shots that destroyed the terrorist. He concentrated his attention upon the bus. He failed from overturning the bus as it U-turned into a side street. The terrorist collapsed, after being shot by a Druze policeman and a Sussiya settler passerby. Some 15 people were injured as two cars were overturned.

Again, terrorists with criminal records were bearing blue cards for Jerusalemites. The three recent operations were done with blue card entry. It is almost too late to identify the terrorist from an Arab worker. The construction throughout the land and particularly in Jerusalem is often completed using Arab labor. Nevertheless Arab terrorists, many with criminal records, will use their blue cards and then bulldozers to attack Jews.

On the previous bulldozer attack in the market in Jerusalem, as we drove by a half-hour before the attack, the bulldozer was unattended. The terrorist took the bulldozer and overturned two busses and smashed three cars. He killed three and wounded 48 before being killed by police and a soldier. The previous incident was the killing of eight students at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem; one was a great grandson of Shapira in our building. Again, the blue card was an important aid to make the preparation for a massive murder. Fortunately an army captain dashed into the Yeshiva Library and killed the terrorist.

In none of these three terrorist attacks were punishments applied immediately. With previous governments with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the head, the homes of terrorists were destroyed immediately. These terror attacks stopped immediately. His attacks were upon the terror leaders on a 24-hour basis. That ended terror at his time. Now, the weakling leadership accepts terror attacks and then tries to "respond."

Several ministers insist that we must show our strength. Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, former chief of staff, insists upon destroying the house and arresting those who assist their leadership.

Public Security Minister Avi Dichter states: "I believe that the homes of these terrorists need to be demolished, and those who helped them expelled from the city. That is the best deterrent." Defense Minister Ehud Barak remarks: "This is a complicated reality, but we are a strong nation." Nevertheless he did nothing to stop terror. He was approved to the sealing of the home of the terrorists. To date nothing has been done, except to wait for the next terror act. Ehud Barak, the former chief of staff, offers no real solution but presents a line of fear from Hezbollah, Hamas and even Fatah.

We must change this helpless government now to face the reality of a possible three-front war soon. Deterrence is considered to be the only effective tool against east Jerusalem terror. The Israel Security Agency has arrested some 80 terrorists in Jerusalem. More arrests will be made. Bulldozers will be recorded and blue cards inspected for ownership.

A bit of a surprise visit was the appearance of Illinois U.S. Senator Barak Obama in Jerusalem, a few hours after this terror attack. In the King David Hotel he stated clearly: "Today's bulldozer attack is a reminder of what Israelis have courageously lived with on a daily basis, far too long. I strongly condemn this attack and will always support Israel in confronting terrorism, and pursuing peace and security." He added:" I have come to express my strong commitments to the U.S.-Israel friendship and to Israel's security, and show solidarity with Israel and its struggles for peace and against terrorism."

Also he wanted to discuss with Israel leaders "the grave threat posed by Iran, and Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. Finally, let there be no doubt. I will always keep the threat of military action on the table to defend our security and our ally Israel. Some times there are no alternatives to confrontation. But that only makes diplomacy more important." These are very reassuring commitments, for which we thank Senator Barak Obama very much.

Updated 8/6/08