Israel's Leaders Should Admit Their Fears

Submitted by Dave (United States), Jul 5, 2017 at 14:49

One big difference between Israel and her adversaries, including the PA, is that Israel's enemies deliberately try to instill fear as an instrument of policy. This is an important motivating tactic behind the attacks on Israel's civilians, and the media in the Muslims countries routinely justify the attacks and say that the Israelis had it coming. The PA has a long record of honoring the perpetrators. There is even a religious basis in Islamic scripture, which calls for fear to be instilled in the hearts of the enemies of Allah.

Fear constitutes a stumbling block to any political settlement which calls for Israeli concessions, and not only is this an issue for Israel, but also for others, like India, which has experienced the fear in trying to resolve the Kashmir dispute. Maybe that's one reason why Modi has skipped Ramallah. Maybe he empathizes with Israel? I'm sure he has a lot of pressure not to make that gesture.

Yet, the world largely blames Israel and ignores the fear. Those who point out the problem are ridiculed as phobic cranks or racists. The liberal-left is very brave when it comes to Jewish lives as they confidently urge risks for peace. After the Oslo Accords, when the vicious attacks started in Israel, President Clinton ritually denounced those cowards who opposed peace, but he never once expressed doubts as to the overall wisdom of the Accords.

I think it would be helpful if Israel's leaders admitted that they are afraid. Maybe if they think that's not macho, they could mention their concerns for their women and children. Who knows, maybe some of those brave people calling for Israel to take risks might be capable of empathy, like Modi, and not be so even-handed.

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