Will this wildcard – this resounding victory on the security front – disperse the dark clouds that hang over other spheres as well?
In recent years, the foundations of the Jewish national home have been severely shaken. There’s been a judicial revolution/reform that cast doubt on our democratic future; a whirlwind of struggles between identity groups that have pushed many Israelis to the brink of distrust in state institutions and to a constitutional crisis threatening civil war; the undermining of physical security in our homeland after the October 7 onslaught; and a national rift over the hostages that has eroded Israeli solidarity.
On top of all that, there have been waves of antisemitism flooding world capitals and Western sanctuaries of knowledge aiming to delegitimize the State of Israel; and a ring of fire – thousands of missile launchers, and the potential of doomsday weapons – that threatened our existence. A heavy pall has loomed over Israel’s future.
Then, Israel pulled out a wildcard: a comprehensive and brilliant campaign crushing the ring of fire with deadly strikes, the result of awe-inspiring human and technological prowess. It is too early for definitive declarations, but it appears that the existential threat from Tehran and its proxies has been eliminated.
Israel has, astonishingly, regained its deterrence power, also over its other enemies.
Hezbollah is neutered, Syria is silent, Yemen and Iraq are no more than annoying mosquitoes, Hamas, though still kicking, remains isolated, degraded, and without a future; and Iran stands naked and exposed beneath the thrum of the Israel Air Force.
Will this wildcard – this resounding victory on the security front – disperse the dark clouds that hang over other spheres as well? Are we at the beginning of a historic turning point that will catapult Israel into a brighter future? The decision is ours. Israel can once again become an attractive brand abroad. Antisemitism will not disappear, but we can present the world with the immense value Israel offers in defeating Islamic fundamentalism, Shi’ite and Sunni alike.
Europe knows it is in real danger – the “barbarians are at the gate” – and politicians from the sane European center understand this. The chancellor of Germany, the keystone of European countries, declared that Israel is doing Europe’s “dirty work.” We now have an opportunity to halt the diplomatic tsunami – and we must seize it.
Further, when Israel fights the Palestinians, it is perceived, through no fault of its own, as a cruel colonialist Goliath. But when it fights Iran, which is nine times larger in population with 75 times the territory, Israel returns to the modest dimensions of “David.” It is clear to all that Israel did not initiate the conflict and has no intention of conquering territory; this was a war to ensure the very survival of its citizens, literally.
Only a fringe of public opinion in the West would deny this. Reframing our image will allow us to restore bipartisan consensus support in the US.
AS WITH the aftermath of the Six Day War, Israeli boldness in a war for survival could strengthen the connection between the Diaspora Jewry and their nation-state. Much good can come of this – for us and for them.
But none of this will happen if we continue the grind of war in Gaza. Continuing the fighting there will squander the credit we have earned in our intrepid struggle against Iran and its proxies. If images of maimed Palestinian children return to screens around the world, the opportunity will be lost.
A cessation of fighting, anchored in an agreement that acknowledges that any vestiges of Hamas be isolated and foreclosed from power, would allow for a comprehensive deal to return the hostages under reasonable terms. Both mind and heart agree this is the right move.
Netanyahu must end the war in Gaza and bring the hostages home
Therefore, alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bold, Ben-Gurion-like decision to go to war with Iran, he must make another bold decision – to end the war in Gaza. This carries risk for him, as the coalition he has relied upon for most of his political life might unravel. But in doing so, he would enable a process of societal healing to begin. If he signs an agreement that brings the hostages home, he will be able to face the ballot box with a halo of victory above his head.
Opposition leaders must also rise to the magnitude of the moment and refrain from demonizing Netanyahu, as a person and as a leader. The good of the country demands that after elections – no matter the winner – a national unity government be formed in which all Zionist parties are represented.
The Netanyahu trial saga must come to an end, and feasible proposals for resolving it must be put on the table. If the Israeli leadership acts accordingly, this historic turning point will play out for the better, and the future of our children will be secured.
Mr. Prime Minister and opposition leaders: “One can acquire his world in a single moment.” (Babylonian Talmud, Avodah Zarah 10b) Is this your moment?