While the United Nations and other world leaders have criticized Israel for "escalating tensions" via its occupation of the town of Tulkarem (News, "Israeli Troops Further Attacks in Palestinian Town," Jan. 22, 2002), it is vital for the international community to accept Israel's autonomy in combating terrorism. Chairman Arafat has done little to silence martyrs in his territory, allowing militants to walk freely and claim the lives of innocent civilians.


Just last week, a young girl's bat mitzvah was ruined as a Palestinian radical killed her grandfather and four others as they celebrated her entrance in adulthood. A second act of cowardice was seen a few months ago, as two Palestinians strapped with explosives killed 21 teenagers at a disco. Actions like these, which happen on a day-to-day basis, should not be tolerated.


Israel needs to take all necessary measures to protect its citizens. Lives should not be lost in vain to a peace that is not honored by the opposing side. Rather than propel themselves from their destitute state, Palestinians maintain a hard-line stance in favor of terrorist ways to achieve their goals. Israel must alter its focus from peace to security, looking out for the welfare of its people before conceding any more land to a two-faced swine like Arafat.

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