Israel’s Resolve Amidst Crossroads
So, what lies ahead for Israel, you might ask? It’s undeniable that the State of Israel stands at a crossroads, and the decisions made will undoubtedly have significant consequences.
On the southwestern border of the country lies the remnants of Gaza—a situation that was almost resolved but was swiftly hijacked by a pro-Hamas, “anti-genocide” PR campaign that has captivated the world’s attention in recent months. A campaign led by TikTok influencers and internet trolls with pink hair, managed to infiltrate even the highest levels of government, influencing the current American administration’s “iron-clad” support for Israel.
On its northern frontier, Israel faces the threat of Hezbollah, a militant jihadist organization whose propaganda tactics are reminiscent of Hollywood trailers. Hezbollah’s frequent rocket barrages and constant threats to Israel’s sovereignty have led to a rather constrained, tit-for-tat, response from Israel.
Enter Iran—the infamous state sponsor of terror fueling aggression towards the world’s only Jewish state and the sole democracy in the region. On April 14th, the world witnessed the largest-scale drone attack on a country in history. In response to this act of war driven by genocidal intent, a surprising coalition of Israel’s critics rallied to aid in the defense of the Jewish State. Given their relentless criticism of Israel’s response to the 10/7 massacre, the abduction of over 200+ individuals, and the firing of more than 13,000 rockets arbitrarily toward Israeli neighbourhoods, it begs the question: What prompted them to join the fray?
Perhaps these statesmen are engaged in the intricate game of politics. Maybe financial interests played a significant role—after all, as seen in the COVID-19 crisis, following the money often reveals motives. It could also be the recognition that Iran poses a substantial threat to the stability of the Middle East and global peace by challenging the influence of Sunni-dominant countries friendly to the West. Or perhaps, it was divine intervention—a belief deeply ingrained in the Jewish people’s history—as once again, the Hand of God ensures the survival of the Jewish people. Regardless of motives, most Israelis are immensely grateful for the support of these nations and the constant protection they know of from a Higher Power.
Returning to the initial question—what comes next for Israel? Well, for one, its citizens continue to move through life in anxiety. Despite this, they remain determined not to succumb to fear but to live in defiance of it. Israel has faced similar challenges before, from its founding in 1948 to the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, the First and Second Lebanon War, the Gulf War, and the list goes on. However, two truths endure: Firstly, despite its small size, the Jewish nation is resilient and steadfast in the face of adversaries. Secondly, despite internal divisions within society, Israelis are united in their resolve to overcome these challenges head-on and right this wrong.
For many, it has become apparent that the peace we’ve been told about all this time, may not be attainable through the means we’ve been led to believe are our only options, given the nature of the “partners” involved. Instead, peace will likely be secured through strength—a steadfast assertion of the Jewish people’s rightful claim to their ancestral homeland. From a once barren and desolate land, Israel has transformed into a beacon of hope and prosperity, a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. Thank you, Hashem.
What lies ahead? Victory.