As I always say, you really need to understand culture before you go into solving problems or interfere with other international disputes overseas. With terrorists, you need to get into the root of the problem with a strong, confident plan. I am saying so because I am shocked and stunned (again) with the international critics of Israel’s actions, as it offered by mainly European officials. I simply ask to ignore them.

As we learned from current events in the Middle East, new voices in the Israeli government, it seems, have learned this lesson. Israel’s leaders are determined to put an end to the chaos in Gaza and call for a strong hand against the terrorists. While Israel is striking Gaza for the 4^th consecutive day, according to CNN reports terrorists continue to fire rockets and gain an intense support for their actions from Iran.

Not surprisingly, the international criticism of Israel’s defense acts are increasing and voices to end the attacks are getting louder and louder. At the other side of this equation, some Israeli officials are on their way into foreign countries to explain the Israeli actions, launching a campaign of “Hasbara” (explanatory, education in Hebrew).

Just before I join the counter-attack and serve as ambassador to my country, let’s look at the balance of events so far. Also, let me be clear that I don’t agree with everything that is going on right now in Gaza and certainly saddened for the loss of civilians on each side, wherever they are.

As per today, about 350 Hamas terrorists and 60 civilians died in Gaza. In Israel, 5 civilians and 1 solider reported dead as a result of the “Grad” missile and “Qassam” flown from Gaza into Israeli villages. Here are the strategic goals of this operation; to stop the firing of rockets into the Southern parts of Israel and to weaken the Hamas leadership in the city of Gaza. In addition, Israel aims to regain control on the “Philadelphy” narrow line, a region that serves as a border in the southern part of Gaza, toward the Egyptian border. There are several hidden underground tunnels in this area, which serve as smuggling point for terrorist to ship weapons, money, trained forces and other “goods” from Egypt (and eventually from Iran) to Gaza. There are no less than 700 tunnels constructed by Hamas militants in this area! The Israeli IDF has plans to uncover them.

Nevertheless, here is what should have been the operational goals; to put an end to the Hamas government in Gaza and allow the moderate party of Fatah, together with its Prime Minister, Abu Mazen, to regain a hold on Gaza territories along with control over its official interim armed forces and local government positions. This would be the best scenario although it’s unlikely to happen.

Why? Partially because Israel would need more time, more forced power, and less international interference. Gaza won’t be a safe heaven mainly because it all comes down to the people of Gaza having the guts to decide once and for all on their power to resist their own self-destruction by supporting the Hamas.

The 2 million residents of Gaza’s poor neighborhoods should say enough. Enough with the support for terrorists. Enough with hiding artillery in their own homes. Enough with educating the next generation for hatred and presenting the West as evil. Gaza’s residents should say YES for an Egyptian meditation and involvement and a big NO for any “help” offered by Iran.

It’s been 3 years of Hamas ruling in Gaza and nothing good has come out of it. It’s has been 3 days of fighting with Hamas in Gaza and I doubt if anyone would gain anything without sincere determination from the Israeli government and enhanced international support from moderate Arab nations such as Egypt. Iran’s long-hands reach Gaza and aims to reach the West Bank. The Hezbollah, supported by Syria also serves as a tool for the Iranian, who has increasing interests in the region. Hezbollah and Hamas are Iran’s long-hands which reach Israel’s own land. Thus, Israel must put an end to the Hamas governance right now, or comprehensive conflict in the region will be a reality.