Israel arrests between 500-700 Palestinian children annually
When one of the mightiest, best equipped and trained army on a planet choose their main enemy to be children; when by means of preventing terrorist attacks soldiers are arresting, shooting, harassing youngsters most of which are under 15 years old (in some cases 6 y.o.) - a question arises in my head - is this really working?
Don't you have a feeling that by means of those actions you are creating a whole new generation of people who would eventually hate you? Who would become terrorists for real, joining some radical Islam groups and later participate in stab or suicide bomb attacks?
From what I see now: the policy of segregation and police brutality (along with economic, political and social blockade) being extensively used by Israelis since the establishment of first Jewish settlements in beginning of 20th century, did not bring them any closer to peace with Palestinians.
It did give a state though! A state with fully functional western style democracy; with a thriving economy; medical, educational, science systems and professionals that are role-modeled for the rest of the world.
But can it survive without oppressing and humiliating others?! Can it survive without its army, that recently has become rather "Oprichnina" (Ivan the Terrible used to loved it) than Defense Force?! Can this state be in peace with at least 50% of it's neighboring and same region countries?!
From my own experience I know that It is easier to blame others, than analyze your own actions; Ignore your opponent, rather than to understand and listen him. In position when there is the strongest, it should also be the wisest, the one who make an example for minors. I do also believe that the strongest is the one in response!
So, if state of Israel is a respectable, successful grownup it should spend $ not on guns&bullets, but on schools&playgrounds, especially if it declares: "these kids are brainwashed and used by Hamas...etc." - well make a difference then! Give those kids an opportunity to study, an opportunity to self-improve and later to find work that would let them not just to survive but to live! Explain those youngsters that the land once taken from their ancestors by force - became your homeland now! As well as don't forget to tell your own children that the land they were born and live now was taken by your ancestors from its previous owners without their permission. Admit mistakes you made, learn to say: "I am sorry"! Cause the thing you doing now is leading to more hate, chaos and crime committed by both sides! Everyone does mistakes, but not everyone understands his own actions and is STRONG and WISE ENOUGH TO CHANGE!