## "This Time We Went Too Far" - Summary
This Time We Went Too Far: Truth and Consequences of the Gaza Invasion is a searing indictment of the 2008-2009 Gaza War by Norman G. Finkelstein. Finkelstein, a controversial scholar known for his fierce criticism of Israeli policies, argues that the invasion constituted a turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exposing the brutality of the occupation to a global audience and galvanizing international condemnation. Through meticulous documentation and impassioned prose, Finkelstein exposes the devastating human cost of the conflict and its implications for the future of the Middle East.
**Key Ideas:**
1. **Disproportionate Force and Collective Punishment:** Finkelstein asserts that Israel's use of force during the Gaza invasion was grossly disproportionate to the threat posed by Hamas. He highlights the high civilian death toll and the widespread destruction of infrastructure, arguing that these actions constituted collective punishment of the Palestinian population. This critique extends beyond the immediate context of the 2008-2009 conflict, placing it within a broader pattern of Israeli military actions.
2. **Shifting International Opinion:** Finkelstein argues that the brutality of the Gaza invasion marked a turning point in international perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The sheer scale of destruction and civilian casualties, he posits, prompted widespread condemnation of Israel's actions, even from traditional allies. He cites reports from human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, as well as the UN-commissioned Goldstone Report, as evidence of this shift in global opinion.
3. **Hope for a Just Peace?:** Despite the bleak picture painted by the book, Finkelstein suggests that the international outcry following the Gaza invasion could pave the way for a more just and lasting peace in the region. He argues that growing global pressure on Israel, particularly from younger generations in the United States and Europe, could potentially force a reassessment of the status quo and a move towards a solution that recognizes the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.
**FAQs:**
**Q: What is the main argument of "This Time We Went Too Far"?**
**A:** Finkelstein argues that the 2008-2009 Gaza War was a watershed moment, exposing the brutality of the Israeli occupation and galvanizing international condemnation. He criticizes the disproportionate use of force, the targeting of civilians, and the long-term humanitarian consequences.
**Q: Who is the intended audience for this book?**
**A:** The book is intended for readers interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, human rights, and Middle Eastern politics. It is written in an accessible style that engages both those familiar with the conflict and those seeking a deeper understanding.
**Q: What makes Norman G. Finkelstein's perspective unique?**
**A:** Finkelstein is known for his uncompromising criticism of Israeli policies, often challenging mainstream narratives. His personal history, as the son of Holocaust survivors, adds a layer of complexity to his analysis.
