Following is a translation of an opinion piece written by Alex Fishman appearing in the Thursday edition of the daily Yediot Achronot.

During the Second Lebanon War the Government of Israel forgot to declare war. In the war of attrition being waged today in Gaza, the government has forgotten how to fight.

The government forgot it’s loftiest of responsibilities, to protect her citizens and not seek to appease the Americans, the Europeans and the Egyptians. The political and military establishments found an excuse not to do too much, calling it a “window of opportunity”.

Between Pesach and Bush’s visit was a very bad time for a military action for such action could have compromised the atmosphere for the party. Nonsense! The reality is they fear another military failure, fear going to war without a broad-based consensus, they fear another commission of inquiry! Yes, they do realize the need but find excuses – taking the easy way out, watching out for their butts.

Therefore, last night, today, tomorrow, or perhaps in a day-or-two, they may do something in the hope of satisfying public opinion, but no more. They will say what needs to be said, “This is unacceptable,” “we are on a collision path,” but nothing more than clichés.

Then, more excuses, Bush has left but now, we must give the current process a chance, we cannot act against the Egyptian president, Lebanon is ablaze. This is no way to run a country. This looks more like a class in political science and not like a government who knows what it wants – other than remaining in power.

You, residents of the Gaza border communities who decided to send your children elsewhere, you are indeed correct. They have lost their faith, their trust. This is the case in kibbutzim too, not just those whom we refer to as the “weaker segments”. And on the other side, there are those military officials calling for limited action, well-aware such an action will not supply the goods.

The Palestinians are not acting properly. They do not read Israel’s restraint correctly, not aware that such a policy is intended to lead us all to a better Middle East, new regional realities. They interpret our lack of response as a sign of weakness.

Yesterday, nothing new occurred in Ashkelon. The Katyusha rocket slamming into the shopping center was just a statistical occurrence, nothing more. The rockets have been hitting Ashkelon for some time and it was a matter of time until one hit a populated area. What is being reported as a decline in the number of rockets is actually quite irrelevant to area residents – 2 rockets a day or 20, it remains the same threat.

A strike by one rocket [as was the case yesterday] is viewed by residents as 100% success for the terrorists.

Yes, Defense Minister Ehud Barak was willing to forgo his dinner with President Bush to enter into marathon talks with security officials. Army commanders do indeed have a plan which includes stepping up the military response without risking the latest ceasefire offer which amazingly is being seriously considered by Israel.

The chief of staff however should not only be speaking of targets, but of principles. He should approach the defense minister and request permission for the IDF to act in a way that will bring results. Not in response to this or another attack, but to act to protect the citizens as we should. Not to re-conquer Gaza or an all-out war, but a required action nonetheless.

The air force on Wednesday should have begun striking targets the width and length of Gaza, an open-ended operation until the objectives are achieved. Today we should be doing what needs to be done so that a single Gaza resident dare not poke his head outside, not a one.

Hamas government buildings, storehouses, and offices must all vanish. Hamas leaders should not give speeches today – fearing for their lives.

Simultaneously, the defense minister on Wednesday should have placed two battalions on alert – ready to enter Gaza to northern Gaza areas used to launch rockets and to clean house. This is not a ‘gut reaction’ but a required reality.

Yes, if we enter they will launch rockets, but they are already firing rockets.

We must understand, unlike the military faction of Hamas, the political echelon does need the ceasefire for the leaders realize a continuation of the embargo on residents will eventually lead to a rebellion against the Hamas leadership. If they are firing rockets at us today – it is to pressure us to accept the ceasefire under their conditions, not ours. They cannot endure a real military bombardment for long and then, only then, will they call for the ceasefire with a willingness to accept Israel’s terms, including the release of Gilad Shalit.

Even Egypt understands that an operation like this will in the long run advance the peace in the area.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)