Please excuse Israel for protecting its citizens

PLEASE let me apologise on behalf of all Israelis for the actions of our leaders who are daring to defend our right to live. Here, in Israel, we consider living a basic human right.

The indignation of journalists, commentators and readers has prompted them to spew some of the most vile invective, educating me on a new level of hatred.

I apologise that it is left to our army to ensure Gaza citizens are evacuated from dangerous zones by the distribution by the Israeli Defence Force of pamphlets, text messages and roof knocking.

I apologise that we’ve not racked up the large numbers of Israeli casualties you were hoping for.

I apologise for a government that values my life and those of my fellow citizens so much it will do everything in its power to protect it. Whatever squabbles we have or policies we don’t agree on, life is valuable.

I apologise that our government has made sure we are equipped with bomb shelters and knows how much time we need to take cover.

I am sorry for our defence force whose soldiers prepare and defend us with their lives.

I’m sorry for our Iron Dome that intercepts rockets aiming for our death and destruction.

I’m sorry Hamas prefers to build weapons-smuggling tunnels than protect its citizens because the “death industry” (their words – Google it) has proven more lucrative than saving lives.

Most of all, I’m sorry this upsets you so much that worldwide you take out your frustration on Jewish people, attacking people physically, in the media and in barely disguised hate speech.

Please accept my humble apologies for any inconvenience we may have caused you.

ROLENE MARKS

Modiin, Israel