The Patriot Post® · Canceled Flights Are a Win for Hamas

A Hamas rocket slipped past the Israeli Iron Dome and damaged a home near the Ben-Gurion Airport. This prompted the FAA to suspend all U.S. flights to the airport – a decision probably made with the fate of Malaysia MH17 in mind. Other countries like France, Germany and Switzerland followed suit, shunning the nation repulsing the barrage from Hamas. Grounded planes is a huge win for Hamas as the economic damage could add pressure for Israel to accept a cease-fire that leaves the terrorists at its borders armed and emboldened. According to The Jerusalem Post, the suspension of flights could seriously hurt the Israeli economy, as tourism accounts for about 2% of the nation’s GDP. While July’s numbers on tourism is already down 30% for July and August, the Post continues, “[T]he cancellation of flights, should it continue for a significant period of time, could have a greater impact on the economy. A May report by the Bank of Israel found that business travel to Israel tends to be more resilient than leisure tourism in the face of security problems. Without ways to get into the country, however, business travelers, who have historically accounted for 12%-20% of travelers to Israel, will also be kept behind. Worse, the precedent of flights canceled due to security may deter them from future business dealings.” Terrorists deal in fear. With one rocket, Hamas has isolated Israel. Fear, a.k.a. terrorism, is winning. More…