When Israel was created, a small sliver of land was surrounded by hostile Arab countries and never accepted. It survived the initial attacks in 1948 by some miracle and has had to contend with hostility ever since.

In 1967, after being attacked on three fronts, Israel won the war and occupied land, much of which is now vital to the very survival of the country as well as of religious importance. Much of this land will never be returned. Other peace negotiations have taken place with the Palestinians and Yasser Arafat has been pleased to accept land which he then uses to harbour and encourage terrorists who attack civilian targets in Israel.

In Israel, 90 per cent of the population supports the military action.

They are fed up with suicide bombings. Most civilians in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa are now frightened to go out. Israel is the only democracy in the area and its government is carrying out the people's wishes, in the same way

as George W Bush has responded to September 11.

The Israeli government is trying to root out and destroy terrorists. It is unfortunate innocents suffer too, especially when being cynically used as a human shield. When considering Palestinian innocents, don't forget the Israeli casualties.

The Palestinian question will have to be solved. Israel did not create the problem and cannot necessarily be expected to solve it when constantly worried about its very existence.

-P Davis, Hove Street, Hove