Appeasement’s price tag

“How Israel’s deterrence against Hamas vanished in facts and figures” (December 2) throws light on the cost of the current trend to appease Hamas out of fear of reprisals and repercussions.

While I supported former defense minister Avigdor Liberman’s stance threatening massive retaliation for Hamas’s unceasing rocket attacks and balloon warfare, I was disappointed in his capitulation to the pacifists and their decision to extend the Hamas fishing rights, to allow Qatar to send $15 million and 10 trucks of fuel as a reward for their recalcitrance. My objection hinged on the lack of logic and the poor negotiating strategy of rewarding belligerence and murder.

The article validated my objection with facts and figures. We have all to lose and nothing to gain by appeasing Hamas. We have all to gain by again showering Hamas with a timely round of “Israeli punishment” in the form of a massive attack on Gaza.

I hope those in power reconsider their strategy and teach Hamas that attacks against Israeli civilians will cost them more than they stand to gain. Appeasement often results in more casualties than warfare. The chorus of voices of those who advise appeasement should look at the facts and figures, and reevaluate their approach to Hamas and its terrorist network.

YOCHEVED MIRIAM ZEMEL

Givat Ze’ev