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Israel has launched a major ground offensive in Gaza, raising tensions for U.S. citizens in the region.
University of Utah law professor Amos Guiora is in Jerusalem, far from Gaza but not beyond the reach of rocket fire.
“One of the seven Iron Dome batteries is about ten minutes away from our house,” Guiora said during a telephone interview. “Like millions of other Israelis, there have been rockets landing or intercepted not far from us.”
Guiora assured that the Iron Dome missile and rocket protection system is keeping him safe.
Guiora calls Israel’s march into Gaza "a last resort" to fight Hamas and stifle their complex, heavily-guarded tunnels. Those are suspected of moving weapons and fighters into Israeli neighborhoods and Egypt. He contends not all Israelis want military action, so it's in the government's interest to keep the action short and succinct. Guiora hopes the offensive ends in under two weeks.
“You know how war begins, but you never know how it finishes,” Guiora said. “So, if there are limited goals and limited timespan, then I think that’s something that the majority of the public here in Israel will be very supportive.”
And Guiora knows the world is closely watching the fight.
“Collateral damage on the Palestinian side in the Gaza Strip, at the end of the day, inevitably brings enormous international pressure on any Israeli government,” he said.
Guiora doesn't believe Americans in Israel are currently in serious danger.
