by Stephen Lendman

Throughout its history, Israel had belligerent, racist prime ministers, none worse than Netanyahu. He talks peace but mocks and spurns it.

His extremism heads Israel toward the brink. His worst ever government enrages global millions. Eventually, Israel may end up isolated and universally vilified as a pariah state.

Already, it's a regional menace. Lawlessly occupied for 44 years, Palestinians know it best. Gaza remains suffocating under siege. Militantly, Netanyahu wants harsher conditions. On October 30, Haaretz headlined, "Netanyahu to Gaza militants: Israel's policy is kill or be killed," saying:

Netanyahu threatened attacks against "every attempt to fire against Israel and anyone who fires anyway."

He told ministers at a special cabinet session that Israel's defense policy stresses two principles: "Kill or be killed," and "He who harms you should bear the blood on his head."

So-called "militants" are freedom fighters. Hamas and other resistance groups respond only in self-defense. International law affirms it.

In December 2008, Israel waged preemptive war on Gaza. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other groups observed months of unilateral ceasefire, despite repeated Israeli violations. On November 4, it ended after the IDF invaded without cause, killing six Hamas members, allegedly to close tunnels.

Hamas wanted peace. Israel spurned it. Cast Lead followed, destroying and killing everything but the will to resist. To this day, Gazans suffer horrifically, including from repeated Israeli air, land and sea attacks.

Gaza is one of history's terror bombing victims. Netanyahu inverts truth, blaming Palestinians for Israeli crimes.

"I suggest Hamas, Jihad, and other organizations not test our determination to actualize the two principles I have described here," he said.

"We will harm every attempt to fire against Israel and anyone who fires anyway. We are not tempestuous, and we do not want things to deteriorate, but we will defend Israel's citizens determinedly, aggressively and effectively."

Netanyahu is a lawless bully, a rogue leader unfit to rule, a menace to Palestinians and Israelis alike, enduring destructive imperial authority.

Shortly after Islamic Jihad and other resistance groups accepted Egyptian-mediated ceasefire terms, Israeli aircraft bombed southern Gaza. One Palestinian was killed, another wounded.

The National Resistance Brigades (NRB) for the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine issued a statement, holding Israel responsible. It also called on NRB fighters to respond in kind as international law allows.

In addition, it asked world leaders to protect Palestinian civilians and denounce Israeli lawlessness.

On Saturday, Israeli air attacks killed five Al-Quds Brigade fighters, injuring others. After numerous attacks and Palestinian responses, 10 Gazans and one Israeli are dead. Israel is directly responsible for preemptive aggression.

Adham Abu Salmiyya, Gaza's Higher Committee of the Medical and Emergency Services said at least 10 strikes occurred in two hours. Destruction as well as deaths and injuries followed. Dozens of residents, especially children, were traumatized.

Moreover, Palestinian Information Center officials said army forces attacked the Al Qassam Brigades' Al Qadisiyya and Ahrar Movement Centers, as well as a third southern Gaza area.

Early Sunday morning, the IDF fired missiles at alleged Gaza City fighters. No casualties were reported. Later, Ash-Shejaeyya neighborhood east of Gaza City was attacked, as well as Al Qassam Brigades' Tunis Base and a third area east of Rafah.

Extensive damage was reported. Drones and manned aircraft remained present overhead. Gazans fired shells and rockets in response. Israel calls self-defense terrorism.

After it spurned ceasefire offers, Islamic Jihad's Al Quds Brigade officials withdrew its offer, claiming its right to respond defensively. Spokesman Abu Ahmad said "a swift and painful retaliation" is planned, adding that:

"We informed all parties that we will not be part of any truce based on criteria used in previous truce deals. Every time there is a truce, the occupation strikes again and kills our leaders and our people. Today, everybody, all Arab and European mediators must realize that only the resistance can declare or void truce. The occupation will be begging for a truce."

Angry about premeditated Israeli attacks, he further said "(T)his issue must be dealt with. Resistance will fire missiles, and will continue targeting the occupation."

Egyptian officials confirmed failed truce offers. Reportedly, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are negotiating ceasefire arrangements with them.

At the same time, IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz held meetings with senior army officers to weigh Israel's response.

Israel can have peace if it wants it. Palestinians repeatedly committed to nonviolence in vain.

It's not clear if Israel will cease attacks or launch Cast Lead II. IDF commanders may, in fact, have had that in mind all along. Events on the ground bear watching.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

-###-

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.