Editorial
Tough guys talk peace

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The extraordinary advice and dour prediction come from men who've run Israel's security service, Shin Bet, men who have served governments from the political right to the left from 1980 to 2000.A notable pattern repeats itself, with those closest to the conflict urging peace, willing to take risks and deal with the consequences.

Their criticism of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is hard on the heels of a complaint by the current Army chief of staff, who said the strict policy of closures on Palestinian cities only increases Palestinian resentment.

The interview with the former heads of Shin Bet was published in the daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. The exasperation — and fear for the future — comes from men responsible for carrying out the grittiest and grisliest acts to protect Israeli citizens.

They know all the rhetorical shorthand and shibboleths, and confront them head-on.

Afraid of the reaction of ideological settlers? They represent maybe 15 percent of the population in the disputed areas, and the government is capable of facing them.

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat? Israel cannot decide who is relevant. For now it's Arafat, deal with him. No negotiations until Palestinian authorities crack down on terrorists? That is an excuse for Israel to do nothing.

The security fence? "It creates hatred, it expropriates land, and annexes hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the State of Israel," says one former security chief. An arrogant military presence and assassinations of leading militants stir more trouble than discourage attacks.

Perhaps the most provocative sentiments are the most fundamental: "We must admit there is another side, that it has feelings and that it is suffering, and that we are behaving disgracefully."

All see a loss of hope on both sides that is equally destructive for both sides.

These men - all battle-tested and battle-weary - want their country to move in a new, radical direction.

Predictably, the loudest opponents will be those farthest from the conflict, the most adamant for the fight to continue, and the least tolerant of fresh views.

Copyright © 2003 The Seattle Times Company