But I know something about it as I have visited there 3 times and once stayed for a few months.

The Israelis are by a large a peace loving people (like most folks really). It’s democratic (unlike its neighbours) and is industrious and smart. Very smart in fact. I was last there a few years ago and they do love the new, interesting and shiny. They love to build ( :) ) and they are cosmopolitan by and large.

They have a tremendous history even compared to Britain’s exploits through time which I think not even they appreciate. They have a terrific will to survive and an ability to mobilise their people all over the world to get what they want. I like them a whole lot. If I had to be kicked out of here I’d go there if they would have me. (As long as they put me somewhere quiet like the Hula Valley.)

It has only existed as a nation since 1948. Imagine a nation built in just one day. (But this is all history and it’s not what I want to write.)

My feeling about its current situation is that they have just about been pushed too far. I have written about the Palestinian problem earlier (where were you?) I dont think they would stay out of another Gulf war even with immense US backing. Sometimes a nation has to act sovereignly to defend its own. This is what leaders fear most of all; Israel engaged in her own defence. She won’t lose, she never has and I don’t expect she ever will be. She may take a battering but there are more on her side than we can know or see. I suspect Arab nations are scared of her but they would never ever admit to this.

My point is this. Again I say, I feel that the US (and with grim determination) the UK are wrong to pursue the current course of action. Our leaders are getting us used to the idea of war. (In fact I think they are trying to speed it up…) It is the unknown element that I have talked about earlier that is the thing to watch for (if you can see the as yet unseen) and this may be an all-out Israeli manoevre. Is there someone out there who is going to stop this so we can all have some peace?

(Thanks for the shirt Mob, UT!)