Israel Should Not Apologize for Targeting Terrorists
By David Holcberg (Providence Journal, July 2, 2006)

Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert should know better than to apologize for the deaths of Palestinians killed in recent Israeli air strikes against Palestinian terrorists. There is nothing to apologize for.

Air strikes against terrorists firing rockets on Israelis are a perfectly moral strategy to protect Israel’s population. To do nothing--to let the terrorists shoot at will--would be the height of immorality for the Israelis who value their lives.

The only apology in order should have come from the Palestinian leadership: an apology for the continuing hostilities, terrorist attacks, rocket launches and the all-consuming obsession of their people with the destruction of Israel. 

All casualties from Israeli fire are the responsibility of the terrorists who use their own people as human shields, and who keep fueling the violence they initiated against Israelis.

Also responsible for any casualties in this conflict are the masses of Palestinians who worship suicide bombers and who have just elected a terrorist group to lead them in a war of extermination against Israel.

Instead of apologizing for timidly acting in their self-defense, Israelis should go on the offensive with all the power they can muster--and be proud of acting to secure their safety.