Put conditions on aid to Israel

You'd think after Israel's disastrous invasions of Lebanon and Gaza, they would have learned their lesson to not shoot first and then ask questions later.

Their armed military assaults against the unarmed aid flotilla in international waters causing the death of nine Turkish Hamas supporters should receive universal condemnation from the world and the United States.

Israel has every right to enforce the blockade in its own waters to keep all weapons from reaching Hamas.

The fact the assault was in international waters and ensuing search resulted in finding no contraband or weapons makes martyrs out of the nine dead Turkish activists and should bring down Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, and give strength to those moderates in the Israeli government who really want peace and a two- state solution.

It also raises into question Israel's punishing blockade, which was meant to bring Hamas to its knees but which actually has solidified the Gaza people firmly behind Hamas.

Every time Israel does these offensive actions against the Palestinians, it strengthens al-Qaida's message in the Muslim world and more U.S troops in Iraq and Afghanistan die.

It's high time the United States conditions its $5 billion annual aid package to Israel with freezing all new settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem, allowing further access for food, medical supplies, cooking oil, building supplies, civilian access to and out of Gaza, and real flexibility in pursuing peace negotiations for a two-state solution.

Col. William Peterson

USMC, Retired

North Liberty