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      Fundamentally Freund
      by Michael Freund
      An alternative approach to Israeli political commentary.
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      Michael Freund is Founder and Chairman of Shavei Israel (www.shavei.org), which reaches out and assists "lost Jews" seeking to return to the Jewish people. He writes a syndicated column and feature stories for the Jerusalem Post. Previously, he served as Deputy Director of Communications & Policy Planning in the Israeli Prime Minister´s Office under former premier Benjamin Netanyahu. A native of New York, he holds an MBA in Finance from Columbia University and a BA from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He has lived in Israel for the past decade.

      Shevat 8, 5769, 2/2/2009

      Ehud Barak's Tunnel Vision



      One can only shake one's head in exasperation at Barak's tunnel vision.
      Hamas terrorists continue to smuggle weapons into Gaza via underground tunnels from Egypt, but that hasn't stopped Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak from offering to build the Palestinians yet another tunnel of their own.

      Speaking today at Ben-Gurion University in the Negev, Barak proposed that a 48-kilometer long tunnel be constructed between Gaza and Judea and Samaria in order to give the Palestinians "freedom of movement" between the two areas. Barak added that while the tunnel would be under Israeli sovereignty, it would in practice be under Palestinian control.

      One can only shake one's head in exasperation at Barak's tunnel vision.

      Does he not understand the danger that such a tunnel would pose to Israel and its existence?

      Think about it: Hamas would have an easy and straightforward way to smuggle just about anything it wants from Egypt into Gaza, and then from Gaza straight into Judea and Samaria.

      Within a short period of time, Israel could potentially find itself facing the threat not only of rocket fire emanating from Gaza, but also from Judea and Samaria as well. Tel Aviv would quickly become the next Sderot, thanks in no small measure to the obtuseness of Israel's own Defense Minister.

      The sooner this government leaves the scene, the safer Israel will be.