The Sensible Conservative is back and needed now more than ever!
I apologize to my many faithful readers for my absence. Alas, a major health crisis hammered my family several months ago. Fortunately, the person of concern is recovering nicely – but the road still stretches on. Although the progress is accelerating, I can't deny that the crisis was too draining – in all respects – for me to focus on anything else. But I'm recovering as well. Thank you for your patience.
Israel is in a pickle. The US under Biden after the October 7 massacre promised unqualified, steadfast support for the ally to do whatever it deemed necessary to destroy Hamas. But, in a few weeks, via Secretary of State Antony Blinken, equivocation began. In the face of widespread Arab protests over Israeli military action. The administration urged caution and restraint “too many Palestinians are being killed", Blinken noted one hopes the softening of America’s support is for public consumption only. If Israel is to accomplish its mission of destruction, of course death will be a companion to the effort – some intentional, some not.
[Certainly, there is no incentive to kill Palestinians for no purpose. Murderous anti- semitics may kill Jews merely because they exist, not the other way around.]
As for the Arab reaction, are they not aware of the sheer horribleness of the Hamas slaughter? Given the extensive publicity to the events of October 7, ignorance is not an excuse. But simple hostility to Israel's existence is probably a large part of it. Details don't matter. Hatred is justification enough for siding with Hamas.
In spite of America’s expressed trepidation, Jerusalem, so far, seems determined to continue its campaign through to completion.
Victory, however, will not be a long-term solution to the underlying worry that perpetually plagues all thoughtful Israelis. Can the country survive as a virtual island in a sea of hostility?
Certainly, the apparent easing of American support is troubling. This worry is greatly increased by the fact that a substantial portion of America's population under the age of forty oppose the war against Hamas. By contrast, older Americans are strong backers. Thus, the prospect of future support is not the given it once was.
What does this mean? For its survival, Israel must reduce its dependance on American military support. It isn't likely to be as dependable as it has been in the past. And as for Europe, it will likely follow America's lead, for better or worse.
Israel, as it has been doing, must accelerate its effort to make peace with Saudi Arabia and other states alarmed by the nature of their enemies, Iran, et al.
Non-aggression pacts with the likes of Egypt and Jordan are valuable, but more substantial and intertwined agreements are better.
Undoubtedly none of these observations or predictions constitutes new
thoughts for Israel's leadership. But is
the same true for its citizens who must welcome the need to pay more money for
defense (to cover the shortage from America) and the wooing of former enemies
as friends.
