Gaza: a job well done: editorial

Has the world ever seen anything quite like the Gaza disengagement?

Over almost as soon as it began, the operation showcased both the efficiency and humanity of Israel's security forces. It was a masterpiece of planning, an awe-inspiring display of overwhelming force and the gentle hand, an unprecedented blend of SWAT and hugs.

True, images of weeping settlers dragged off to an uncertain future impacted all Israelis, even those who were supportive of disengagement.

But the manner in which IDF and police forces managed protesters was a textbook example of good training and proportional response.

In any other country, even in western democracies like ours, confrontations such as those in Gaza would have degenerated into a blur of billy clubs and tear gas. Not in Israel.

Though one IDF soldier was stabbed, and some thugs hurled rocks, cans and acid, most resistance was nonviolent, and the settlers should be commended for that.

Some resistance tactics were actually rather clever (if not commendable). As police climbed improvised ramps to make arrests in one settlement, protesters poured vegetable oil on the path to make the ramps impossibly slippery. That's a lot better than firing guns.

The events of the last 10 days revealed the deep connections among Israel's Jews, even with those who hold diverging political views. Despite the potential for extreme violence, the disengagement ended up saying something positive, even inspiring, about the Jewish people.

When we resolve to do something big, we do it with remarkable panache and thoroughness. The world cannot have failed to notice.

Predictably, in a classic case of "what have you done for me lately," some voices in the media have demanded yet more concessions from Israel.

We think the proper question to ask is: Will the Palestinians come anywhere close to matching Israel's extraordinary unilateral action?

It's your move, Mr. Abbas.

For years to come, scholars and political observers will debate the wisdom of disengagement. Some will say it was a cave-in to terror, others a paltry crumb thrown to an occupied populace.

Others will dwell on the sorrow and the pity of those displaced Jews who see themselves as abandoned by the very government that urged them to move to Gaza.

But no one can question the brilliance of the disengagement's execution. Whether or not this step actually leads Israel closer to peace, disengagement has been a testament to Israel's dedication to the rule of law. For that, Jews around the world can be very proud.