Israel Attacked By Hamas on 50th Anniversary of Yom Kippur War

Israel has been attacked by Hamas terrorist by land, air and sea resulting in the deaths of at least 100 Israelis. The IDF has retaliated with airstrikes into Gaza killing 198 Palestinians.

The Hamas attack coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War during which Israel was simultaneously attacked by Egyptian and Syrian forces. 

The U.S. State Department issued the following statement:

The United States unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities.  There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.  We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners. The United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself.

I'm glad this wasn't the usual mealy-mouthed statement calling on both sides to exercise restraint. The United States calls Hamas terrorists, classifies this as a terrorist attack and asserts Israel right to defend itself.

Of course, their position could change. Invariably, Palestinian casualties will outnumber Israeli dead and there will be claims of disproportionality by the UN and the other usual actors. 

Let us keep in mind that although Hamas carried out the attack, they are backed by Iran. Such an attack could not have been carried out with the blessing of Tehran. Despite the strong words of the State Department, I suspect that the negotiation of a new nuclear agreement with Iran will remain ongoing.

And what of the purported peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia? It would seem this has become a dead letter with the Saudi foreign ministry blaming Israel for the conflict:

The Kingdom recalls its repeated warnings of the dangers of the explosion of the situation as a result of the continued occupation, and deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, and the repetition of systematic provocations against its sanctities.

Yet as with the push for a new Iran nuclear deal, there will continue to be a push to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia with pressure being put on Israel to formally recognize a Palestinian state which the Saudis have long demanded as a condition for normalization. Should this come to pass one wonders if Hamas will become part of this Palestinian state despite their wanton attacks on Israeli civilians or perhaps because of it.

There will certainly be questions regarding Israeli intelligence and military preparedness. After all, to launch a surprise attack on the 50th anniversary of a surprise attack demands answers although those answers will have to wait for now. Surely there will be another Agranat Commission as there was at the conclusion of the Yom Kippur War.  

Nevertheless, Hamas' act of war against Israel and the response of the Arab and Muslim world is a reminder that their aim and objective has been to eradicate the Jewish state. The olive branches of peace are but a mirage in the desert.