IMO, four truths about the Middle East:
1.
There is no justification - zero - for Hamas killing innocent human beings in Israel or taking and terrorizing hostages. Every civilized person should be 100% against their tactics and abhor their stated aim of ridding the Middle East of Jews. Israelis must live in peace and security. I have always been a staunch supporter of the State of Israel.
2.
Benjamin Netanyahu's policies in Gaza and toward Gazans have been an absolute failure. He has no interest in achieving a two-state solution. Further, his iron-fisted campaign to eliminate Hamas and protect Israel has not worked. Hamas just slaughtered 1,200 of his citizens.
When people in Gaza live without hope or dignity and see no peaceful way out, many will invariably turn to violent groups like Hamas.
3.
These horrific deaths on both sides of the border will only continue the heartbreaking cycle of distrust, hate, violence and murder. Israelis will live with the pain and loss of their loved ones, seethe at their enemy and seek revenge. And if the IDF could kill every member of Hamas, they would only see another violent group take its place to avenge their dead Palestinian brothers and sisters.
The only way out that I see is a two-state solution where a coalition of Arab nations (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc.) control and govern Gaza and insure Israel’s safety and security.
4.
During his final days, especially now, I have been thinking of President Jimmy Carter. Along with Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat, he forged a peace between Israel and Egypt THAT STANDS TODAY, 45 years later.
He is a hero.