An Israeli soldier died in an exchange of fire with Palestinians in Shechem (Nablus). The incident was the lead story for several hourly news bulletins. Once the army released his name, we heard the time and place of his funeral, and interviews with army and civilian friends and family members. The next day's newspapers put his picture on the front page, and his life story inside.
The death occurred in the midst of an operation to seize stores of weapons and explosives, and bad guys said to be preparing for attacks against Israelis. This is a nightly event guided by intelligence, often obtained from Palestinians seized earlier, throughout the West Bank.
Reports are that Hamas and its allies are increasing their efforts out of a concern to do something big that will scuttle preparations for George W. Bush's Israeli-Arab conference in Washington.
So far the statistics about Palestinians accomplishments suggest that the intifada is declining. Six Israeli civilians have died as the result of Palestinian violence, and the most recent death of a soldier is only the second so far in 2007.
Some say that the figures indicate that Palestinians have given up the struggle. However, daily firings of mortars and rockets out of Gaza suggest something else, as do seizures of suicide-belted Palestinians trying to get through Israeli roadblocks in the West Bank, as well as numerous other indications of unceasing efforts at mayhem.
Those who admire the IDF call it a world class SWAT operation (Special Weapons and Tactics). Critics who are sympathetic to the Israeli cause conclude that some of the shortfalls in last year's war in Lebanon was due to the military's emphasis of training for small unit fighting in Palestinian cities, as opposed to the kind of conditions encountered in Lebanon.
Nightly incursions iinto Palestinian cities account for some of the success in reducing our exposure to Palestinian violence. Other credit is due to the barrier between much of the West Bank and Israel, the road blocks throughout the West Bank, and the fence around Gaza. None of these win applause among international or local humanitarians, but other Israelis are not inclined to argue with success. Those inclined to forget the hellish months of 2002 and 2003 encounter reminders from organized families of the victims.
We continue to argue. Does the reduction in casualties mean we can take more chances for peace? Or does the reduction in casualties mean that we have been doing things right and should continue?
More than 500 roadblocks throughout the West Bank, plus the major barrier, do a lot to cripple Palestinian transportation and its economy. And the West Bank is prosperous compared to Gaza.
Such conditions do not promote Palestinian sympathy for Israelis. Indications are that Prime Minister Olmert is inclined to relax controls in the West Bank, but a number of his ministers, as well as military advisers urge caution. And the Palestinian side of the conversation is not forthcoming in compromising its own extensive demands, or working diligently to control those who prefer violence.
The military buried its soldier several hours after he died. We will hear news of his life and his death for at least another day. Yom Kippur will bring forth memories of many more who died in 1973. Some will try to go beyond the stories of death in order to move forward discussions about peace, but it will be a difficult task.