Israeli anti-terror efforts function through a two-stage process: In stage one, the IDF acts ― e.g. entering Jenin, building the security fence, or targeting Gaza terrorist cells. In stage two, the terrorism abates ― enabling Israelis to proceed with normal civilian life, fostering positive reform among Palestinians, and creating a larger hope for reconciliation.

Though this two-stage pattern characterizes the recent history of this conflict, Western media focus almost exclusively upon the dramatic and painful first stage, ignoring its fruits in stage two. Here are some recent examples of 'stage two' that you likely didn't hear about:

●  ISRAEL'S BECOMING SAFER:  An Israeli official from the northern Gilboa region relates:

Instead of 600 terrorist incidents per year around here, in the last five months we've had zero. Tens of thousands of illegal Palestinian workers would cross through here every year; in the past five months, you've got it, zero. And guess what? Theft is way down too.

This fine chart from Josh Harvey indicates how increased IDF pressure thwarts the great majority of Palestinian suicide-terror attacks. And an article in the Telegraph, 'Has Israel Beaten the Suicide Bombers?' relates that

It is three months since the last serious terrorist attack. The army says there were 25 such attacks in 2002, which killed 147 people. Last year there were 20, killing 141. So far this year there have been only two, in which 19 died. The Israelis are starting to believe that their tactics are working. Palestinian groups fighting them tend to agree.

● PALESTINIANS ARE REJECTING THE TERRORISTS: In the West Bank Palestinian town of Tulkarm, where once

the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades would have been swaggering through the streets...with their AK-47s, inspiring admiration in some residents, terrorizing others, and plotting what they call 'military operations' against nearby Jewish settlements or Israeli cities...the armed men are not walking around anymore, certainly not in broad daylight. The few of them left after the army's frequent raids are said to be feeling hunted and alone. Many in the town are already declaring Tulkarm's intifada over.

Residents of Tulkarm are no longer willing to provide refuge for the armed men in their houses, local sources say, for fear of ending up on the army's demolition list. (via Jerusalem Report)

● ARABS ARE FED UP WITH ARAFAT: Yassir Arafat, whose removal from power is a cornerstone of the Quartet's 'road map' to peace, is under pressure from within:

The growing dissatisfaction within the Palestinian population over the rampant corruption and incompetence of the PA has infiltrated its security services, some of which have begun to mutiny...(Maariv)

And also from without:

Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman, who visited Ramallah last week, warned Arafat to relax his grip on the reins of power or face the possibility that Egypt and the US will cease to block Sharon from carrying out his threat to "remove" him. (Al-Quds Al-Arabi, via Jerusalem Post)

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