Letters to the Editor
The New York Times
To the Editor:
Re “The Tale of Two Invasions: What the Last Attack on Jenin Tells Us About Israel Now,” (July 10).
Tareq Baconi repeats the usual distortions and conspiracy theories about Israel in a clear attempt to discredit Israel among international circles. We are accustomed to seeing these spurious accusations from Palestinian and pro-Palestinian propagandists: Israel is an apartheid state. Israel rejects a two-state solution. Israel deliberately targets civilians and children.
But the simple truth is that despite the difficult internal challenges facing Israel, its recent military operation in Jenin, like many others through the years, is the product of Israel’s need to protect its citizens from brutal, murderous terrorist attacks. Whenever Palestinian security forces prevent such terrorism, there are no such operations.
The other simple truth is that as hostile as Baconi’s piece is toward Israel, the greater damage is how it deepens the Palestinian rejectionism of Israel's right to exist that is at the root of the conflict and Palestinian suffering. These repeated accusatory articles which have gone on for decades simply mire Palestinians in their old wishful thinking that turning the world against Israel through lies will lead to its disappearance. The Times ill serves the Palestinians, not to mention Israel, by publishing such a piece.
We need to hear more about hope and the imperative for mutual acceptance, peace, and the goal of a mutually negotiated two-state solution to the conflict. Such realistic thinking will benefit all people in the region.
Sincerely,
Ken Jacobson
Deputy National Director
Anti-Defamation League
New York, NY