[theophilusscribe]

The biggest threat to Israel's existence is not Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Palestinian terrorists, etc. -- it's internal conflict between its own various political and religious factions.

Sadly, that seems to be a problem inherent in all democracies . . .

However, I do think that after the Gaza pullout, any ensuing Palestinian violence will unify the Israelis. The appeasers will realize (even if it is temporary) that appeasement was ineffective and will realize (again, temporarily) that you cannot negotiate with terrorists.

I think we'll see Ehud Barak and Shimon Perez arm in arm with Netanyahu and Sharon, calling for retaliation. I have already heard Barak saying that was the next step if Abbas did not hold up his end of the bargain. And with the settlers out of there, they can blast the junk out of Gaza . . .

[Alberta's Child]

As of today, Israel's most serious exposure to terrorism comes not from Gaza, but from the West Bank.

This is why the Israeli government insisted on vacating those settlements. Having those settlements in an area surrounded by Palestinians represents a major security problem.

[Not now, Not ever!]

Yes, there is something to turning a mixed, well surveyed, problem area into a free fire zone.