Time Constraints In Conflict

     A couple weeks ago a shell landed on a beach and killed a Palestinian family.  It appears that, in response, a group of Palestinians began tunneling into Israel in order to launch the attack that resulted in the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier.  If this had happened within minutes of the beach bombing, people would have seen it for a reaction against an Israeli action. 

     The IDF is able, and has been able, to launch its counterattack within minutes or hours of any Palestinian action.  In this case it was clear, and clearly stated, that the re-occupation of the Gaza Strip was a retaliation for the kidnapping.

     Because the Pali attacks can never be quick responses, it will always seem, to the casual observer, that the Palestinians are acting and the Israelis are reacting.