Can Sanity Prevail Before a Doomsday Scenario?

The horrifying events since October 7 have traumatized Israel and the Jewish people around the world. Every day, one wakes up and hopes that things will be better, but it often seems like just the opposite is the case as casualties mount, threats increase, hate speech proliferates, windows are smashed, Jews are “hunted,” and now there is even the kidnapping and possible murder of a Chabad Rabbi by Iranian agents in Dubai.

Israel Under Incessant Fire

Israel, a beacon of democracy in the Middle East, finds itself increasingly isolated and under attack. There is a relentless barrage of threats and violence from seven enemies roundabout (Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, the West Bank, Syria, Iraq, and Iran), fueled by radical Islamist ideologies, that is pushing the nation to the brink, as we saw this week when even a holy synagogue in Haifa was destroyed by terrorist missiles.

Surge in Global AntiSemitism

Additionally, the surge in antisemitic attacks globally, with explicit threats of genocide, including calls this week in Montreal for “the Final Solution” and physical assaults such as Jews attacked after a soccer match in Amsterdam earlier this month, underscores the growing danger faced by the Jewish people worldwide.

Biased International Response

The international community’s biased response, exemplified by the UN’s relentless condemnation of Israel, the International Committee of the Red Cross’s disregard of the Israeli hostages, and the ICC’s politically motivated indictments of Netanyahu and Gallant, has further emboldened Israel’s enemies. The global institutions, designed to uphold justice and human rights, have become tools for the Muslim-majority nations to delegitimize Israel and undermine its security.

Calls to Isolate Israel

Further, calls to withhold arms from ally and friend Israel that included a vote this week by the U.S. Senate on withholding offensive weapons and the wider push by radical Islamists for boycott, divestment, and sanctions are driving Israel to feel increasingly isolated and threatened.

Iran Orchestrates the Terror

Since the October 7 invasion by Hamas, we’ve seen the murder of thousands of Israelis, the taking of hundreds of hostages, and nonstop barrages of missiles and rockets at Israeli cities, including Iran, conducting two direct attacks with ICBMs, cruise missiles, and drones. Despite Israel’s actions to defend itself in Gaza and South Lebanon and a limited response to Iran, we continue to see that the enemy remains largely undeterred. In fact, Iran continues their march towards the nuclear bomb and calls on millions to die as martyrs to “liberate” the world of Israel and the Jews. Moreover, Iran’s radical Islamic leadership continues to behave as a non-rational actor driven by a desire for a global Shiite caliphate and the institution of Sharia law for all.

Israel will Decisively Defend Itself

As Israel continues to face existential threats from multiple fronts, and unless the threats are pulled back, Israel will have no choice but to act increasingly and decisively to defend itself. With its back against the wall, Israel will have no choice but to further respond with a strategy of “escalate to deescalate,” so that the enemy is forced to rethink the risk and reward equation of the dangerous game of chicken they are “playing” with the powerful Jewish state. Thus, the specter of a wider conflict looms large as Iran and its terrorist proxies continue to destabilize the region and plot Israel’s destruction.

Will Sanity Prevail?

The world must recognize the gravity of the situation, including the potential for this to widen from a regional to a global conflict and take urgent action to prevent a catastrophic escalation. This includes:

• Condemning Antisemitism: Strong and unequivocal condemnation of antisemitic attacks and hate speech, and the arrest, jailing, and prosecution of those who commit these crimes. 
• Supporting Israel’s Right to Self-Defense: Unwavering support for Israel’s sovereignty and right to defend itself against aggression, especially against a terrorist enemy that hides behind civilians in homes, hospitals, schools, and mosques. 
• Countering Iranian Aggression: Effective measures to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities and nuclear ambitions, including, if necessary, a preemptive attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
• Promoting Dialogue and Peace: Encouraging ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve regional conflicts and promote genuine peace and coexistence rather than another short-lived and meaningless ceasefire. 

By taking these steps, the international community can help to de-escalate tensions, promote stability, and ensure the survival of the Jewish state. The future of the Middle East and the world depends on it. Iran must be stopped by whatever means necessary.