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Benn said in return for maintaining order, Israel funded Hamas "through the flow of shekels in armored trucks to banks in Gaza, and continued to supply infrastructure and medical services to the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip."
Amounts given were woefully inadequate. It's surprising anything was provided under conditions of siege. Jabari was also key in securing Shalit's release. In captivity, he ensured his welfare and safety.
Perhaps his subcontractor services weren't good enough. He could control Hamas but not other resistance groups. He was warned to restrain them. Israel's message was clear. "You failed, you're dead."
According to Barak, "In the Middle East, there is no second chance for the weak." Killing Jabari will be remembered as another pre-election gambit to win votes.
Professor Yagil Levy calls it "fanning the conflict as an intra-state control strategy." External conflict enlists domestic support for greater safety and security. Israel chose this route many times before. Cast Lead was most recent on the eve of 2009 elections.
It helped elect Ehud Olmert. Netanyahu hopes he'll be advantaged the same way. On January 22 he'll know. At the same time, Israel needs a new Gaza subcontractor.
It also has other regional challenges. Post-election, it remains to be seen if Israel loses more than it gains by killing Jabari. Palestinians and supporters intend to see things turn out that way.
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at Email address removed .
His new book is titled "How Wall Street Fleeces America: Privatized Banking, Government Collusion and Class War"
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