The escalating brutality and repression have demoralized many. The whole Israeli state is built on the false promise of a secure and prosperous lifestyle, heavily subsidized by Washington. Subsidized housing, with large apartments, lush lawns, swimming pools and sports clubs attracts Israeli settlers to the militarized West Bank settlements. But now, as Israeli violence escalates, Palestinian guerrilla fighters are responding by targeting the settlements. Settlers travel only in armed convoys.
Many settlements are practically empty.
In contrast, the Palestinians are more united and cohesive than they have been in a decade. Their anger at seven years of fraudulent peace talks while settlements expanded all around them has finally exploded. Now each escalation in Israeli repression and terror tactics brings not fear but new levels of outrage and organized resistance. The heroic Palestinian youths who day after day challenge Israeli tanks with stones and slingshots have inspired and aroused people throughout the Middle East. Millions have taken to the streets in solidarity with their struggle, denouncing not only Israel but U.S. imperialism.