search
Yoel Bin-Nun

The current crisis: An attempt to achieve clarity

What’s Clear

  1. It is absolutely clear that the captivity of our hostages under life-threatening conditions by ruthless terrorists constitutes a severe war crime under international law. Equally clear is the failure of both Israel and its allies worldwide to mount a principled, moral campaign against these crimes on the international stage, targeting Hamas-supporting states like Iran and Qatar. Instead, Qatar has become a mediator, and Hamas — a “legitimate” adversary for negotiating “deals.”
  2. Consequently, any accusations leveled against Israel of committing “crimes” under international law or engaging in “genocide” are unmistakably rooted in antisemitism. The killing of women, children, and civilians in Gaza is the work of Hamas. Israel, uniquely among nations at war, allowed civilians to evacuate combat zones, while Hamas actively sought to prevent their escape. (I pointed this out at the start of the war!) Yet, our global allies have failed to lead an international campaign against Hamas’s atrocities, even as it murders its own people.
  3. It is crystal clear that the IDF, in coordination with the Shin Bet, explored every possible means to rescue the hostages alive — until it became evident that no such path existed. Hamas’s murderers are intent on killing the hostages the moment they detect an Israeli rescue effort. Several attempts have already ended in the tragic deaths of our captives in the terrorists’ tunnels.
  4. Numerous indirect pressure tactics against Hamas, including the elimination of its leaders, have also proven ineffective. Our hostages remain the sole “bargaining chip” in the hands of these ruthless captors.
  5. It is blatantly obvious that the Biden administration has staunchly opposed halting humanitarian aid, which Hamas exploits to consolidate its grip on the Gazan population. Despite severe blows to its fighting forces, Hamas’s control persists — Israel is winning militarily, but the suspension of aid, particularly fuel, has been blocked by the Americans.
  6. Similarly, a complete Israeli conquest and full control of Gaza were also rendered unfeasible, largely due to American opposition.
  7. The new American administration might permit Israel to conduct military operations with fewer restrictions. We must wait to see if this will lead to significant changes on the ground.
  8. Without a doubt, Hamas cannot be toppled without full control over Gaza for at least a year. (I said as much at the beginning of the war!)

What Isn’t Clear?

  1. Will the new American administration take decisive action to pressure Egypt and Qatar to end their financial support for Hamas? Will they demand that Egypt compel Hamas to hand over all remaining hostages — dead or alive? Will they insist on the exile of Hamas’s military leadership from Gaza and facilitate the emigration of Gazans who wish to leave? Only the Americans, through harsh economic and military threats, have the power to achieve such outcomes — particularly under President Trump’s forceful style. However, such measures would likely face fierce international opposition, leaving Trump’s decision uncertain.
  2. Is Israel prepared and equipped to deliver a devastating blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and, potentially, to the military and religious leadership of the Revolutionary Guards? And will President Trump fully back such actions, even in the face of Russian objections?
  3. Is Israel ready to swiftly and decisively neutralize any released terrorist who resumes activities against it? We cannot afford to wait until they strike again.
  4. Will concerns over the potential collapse of Jordan’s Hashemite Kingdom push a Trump administration to demand the establishment of a “sovereign Palestinian state” to appease Saudi Arabia and stabilize Jordan? Would this come alongside recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria? What percentage of the West Bank would remain under Israeli control, and what would Israeli security oversight look like across the territory up to the Jordan River after Trump’s “Deal of the Century”?

If I were in government, I would vote against any such “deal” that risks the lives of our hostages and citizens in the future. Yet I would not resign, as the finance minister has chosen to do. Instead, I would fight for clarity on all unresolved questions.

Since I hold no decision-making position within Israel, I am left with only two actions: to share my perspective with the public and to turn to God in prayer every day, with the words of the Shomea Tefillah blessing:

Answer us, O Lord, answer us! For we are in great distress! Do not hide Your face from us; do not ignore our plea!

About the Author
Dr. Rabbi Yoel bin Nun is one of the founders of Yeshivat Har Etzion. He received his rabbinic training at Yeshiva Merkaz HaRav and his Ph.D. from Hebrew University. In 1986, he established Michlelet Yaakov Herzog for training Jewish Studies teachers, especially in Bible instruction. Between 2000-2006 he served as the Rosh Ha-Yeshiva of Yeshivat HaKibbutz HaDati in Ein Tzurim.
Related Topics
Related Posts