The “drizzle” of rockets falling in southern Israel is just a precursor to the “showers” we can expect this summer, which no doubt will lead to another round of fighting in Gaza. Why these constant battles? Why can’t Israel beat its enemies once and for all?
The problem starts at the top. Israel’s leaders possess no vision and therefore no ability to win a decisive victory. It is not an issue of personality or talent. Most of them are good people and they certainly do not lack talent. The problem is that their identity is blurred. And where there is no identity, there is no vision and no goal. And when these are missing, talent does not help.
Even the most adept pilot, the kind of fighter whose aerial acrobatics can keep the national jet from being shot down by all the missiles fired at it, must ultimately head for a destination. For after all the acrobatics, the jet has to land someplace. The fuel eventually runs out.
Israel’s lack of goals has turned into its strategy. There is no long any regular army threatening Israel. But the IDF is larger and more heavily funded than it ever was. How can that be? Because when there is no enemy, it is impossible to win. And when it is impossible to win, we need more soldiers and more Iron Domes – and eventually, more sacrifices.
We have been living this bluff for the past 20 years – since we surrendered our real Iron Dome in the Oslo era. What is the best and most protective Iron Dome? The justice of our cause.
When is the last time you heard an Israeli leader say the two words that every world leader says without a second thought? The two words that no Israeli leader since Oslo has dared utter: “Zo Artzeinu – This is our Land”?
Not “This is also our land.” Not “Areas A-B-C.” Simply “This is our Land” – until the very last grain of sand that the Creator left at our doorsteps since the state was established.
When we firmly cling to our land, we express our justice. Every retreat – and every mention of a willingness to retreat – expresses our retreat from that justice. And when we remain bare of our justice, we create an uncontrollable urge of the enemy to conquer our land.
What have we received in exchange for all our retreats Peace?
We fled every last grain of sand in Gush Katif. We destroyed every Jewish house. We evacuated every single settler. What did we receive in return? The support and empathy of the world? The legitimacy to defend our lives and attack Iran?
And really, why should anybody support the robber who has, in his kindness, agrees to let go of the stolen merchandise? On the contrary – first let him change his evil ways and return the merchandise he stole in 1948.
When you give up your justice, you are driven from the city and you also end up eating all the rotten fish.
In order to stop being hostages to Hamas and Iran: in order to stop paying protection-money to the enemy – monthly truckloads of cash, free electricity and much more; in order to stop sacrificing soldiers to the “peace god” in endless rounds of fighting – in order to stop all this, we need leadership that talks the language of justice. “Zo Artzeinu – This is our land.”