The Times of Israel is reporting that Israel plans to establish a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip to prevent future Palestinian terror attacks following the war. Israel has already informed Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates of the plan, according to three unnamed REUTERS news agency sources.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reportedly told United States (“US”) Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (11/30/2023) that the Israel Defense Forces (“IDF”) will establish a buffer zone deep into Gaza following the war. Netanyahu said that “Israel wants this buffer zone between Gaza and Israel from the north to the south to prevent any Hamas [or other terrorists] from infiltrating or attacking Israel,” according to a Kan News report. [NOTE: Kan News is operated by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation].
REUTERS news agency sources have compared the planned buffer zone to Israel’s security zone in southern Lebanon from 1985 to 2000, which existed upon a belt of land about some 15 miles wide in an attempt to keep Palestinian and Hezbollah terrorists away from the Israeli border. In contrast, however, the Gaza Strip is only 12 kilometers wide at its broadest point and any major buffer zone would include a significant portion of its territory.
The Times of Israel article may be read HERE.
DISCLAIMER – The following contains political commentary:
My brothers and sisters, if what is happening in Israel were to happen in the US (or any other modern nation of the world), the establishment of a security buffer zone would not automatically be viewed as a negative development. But, in today’s world, Israel appears to always be held to a different, and seemingly unfair, standard.
It’s difficult to say this, but for the current US government, especially following the demonstration of its “high-level military strategic success” in Afghanistan and in its recent dealings with Iran – rhetorically speaking, to instruct Israel how it should prosecute and resolve the war, as well as how security should or should not be established following the war, just seems over the top.
As discussed in a previous commentary as part of a FGGAM report on October 7, 2023, I am convinced that Israel is not going to walk away from this situation until the threat is DECIMATED; Israel is unlikely to be deterred in any of its necessary actions to fight, win and sustain a victory in this war due to concerns or directives put forth by the US; and Israel is no longer going to accept the premise that it must respond to this attack proportionally.
In my observation over the years and as a former military member, I’ve come to the conclusion that battles need to either NOT BE FOUGHT or they NEED TO BE FOUGHT TO WIN. The US has not fought to win since the Korean Conflict. Prior to that, the US definitively won every battle in which it was involved, because the goals were clear and VICTORY was the endgame.
Let’s continue to pray for a timely, just and long-lasting resolution to this war, with peace in the land of Israel, peace in the hearts of the Palestinians, and the end of hate, murders, hostage taking and terrorist groups such as Hamas!
Some scripture for consideration:
Genesis 12:3 (NKJV)
The LORD said to Abram (later Abraham): “I will bless those who bless you, [a]nd I will curse him who curses you; [a]nd in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Deuteronomy 7:6 (NKJV)
“For you [the Jews] are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”
Psalm 122:6-7 (Amplified Bible)
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you [holy city]. May peace be within your walls [a]nd prosperity within your palaces.’”
Psalm 132:13 (NKJV)
“For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place…”.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Amplified Bible)
A Time for Everything
“There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—[a] time to be born and a time to die; [a] time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; [a] time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; [a] time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; [a] time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; [a] time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; [a] time to keep silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; [a] time for war and a time for peace [emphasis mine].”
Praise Jesus forevermore!