^{Benjamin Netanyahu  (C) 2009 Israeli Knesset}

I have to say this every time I write about the Middle East: I'm a Zionist. I believe Israel is the homeland of the Jews. That doesn't mean I'm an apologist for the Israeli government; these days, more like a friendly critic. So, just what the f*** do the Israelis think they're doing shooting up ships? Playing their assigned role in the Palestinian's PR machine? 

Of all the possible ways to enforce a legitimate blockade, the commando-style boarding of the latest "Freedom Flotilla" was the worst method conceivable. Even sinking the boats (slowly) would have been a better idea. The Israeli military could have designed a foolproof, peaceful way to capture the flotilla. For example, they could have fouled the propellers of the ships, leaving them dead in the water, and then towed them to port. Or if they needed to board at sea, tear gas, nausea gas or pepper gas could have incapacitated the "activists." Planners of the engagement made a conscious decision to engage in a way that guaranteed a fight. 

There's no need to enumerate the ways in which the shootings and capture of the flotilla will harm Israel. The plentiful anti-Israeli media will do that. I'm interested in who planned the Israeli operation and what their motives were. My money is on the Greater Israel conspiracy. (See my previous Israel posts for more about them.)

I doubt Netanyahu is still a member of the Greater Israel movement in any way shape or form. Like Sharon, he's come to realize that a two state solution is the only workable outcome, eventually. Meanwhile, he's in bed with a whole cast of bad actors. Those guys, Shas, Yisrael Beiteinu and their ilk, have been actively undermining any possibility of a two-state solution for years. Their ministers within the government have sabotaged Netanyahu before. Prior to the flotilla incident, they torpedoed Biden's visit by announcing new construction in East Jerusalem. This time, it's right wingers and their sympathizers within the Israeli military who did the job. That job being to rile up Muslim opposition to Israel and incite Hamas to resume rocket fire.

Netanyahu's choice at this point is simple. He can re-enroll in the Greater Israel movement and start planning for the next war or he can purge his government of the right-wingers. That will require an accommodation with Livni and her Labor Party, but it's better late than never. I just hope it's not too late.