We All Saw It Coming (Or Should Have)

For at least the last six months, I’ve been seriously concerned that Israel’s archenemies would launch a surprise strike on the 50^th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War (either secular or Hebrew calendar dates).

No prophecy was required, I assure you. The anniversary simply seemed too tempting for Israel’s adversaries to resist. The fact that it came to pass, and on a Shabbat and the Shmini Atzeret holiday, should not have surprised anyone.

I worried about a multifront attack with Hezbollah involved, and indeed Hezbollah has already participated “in solidarity” with Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Don’t be surprised if Iran’s Quds Force attacks from Syria, or even by the involvement of Iran’s IRGC in Iran proper. We’ve all heard of the possibility of a multifront assault for months…and we all know the usual suspects.

And you can be sure the Arabs living in Judea and Samaria will not be quiescent or idle.

Admittedly, I did not foresee the gargantuan military intelligence failure and literally asleep-at-the-switch posture of the IDF, whose reputation is destined to remain in question for years to come.

So, what to expect going forward?

As a writer, I am hypersensitive to words. Language is telling, and by the language being used by Israel’s leadership, we should all be concerned and suspicious.

Netanyahu said this is war, not yet another operation, but the campaign has been named “Operation Swords of Iron”. He and many other leaders have spoken of exacting a heavy “price” from Hamas—as if Israel is a luxury boutique and Hamas just shoplifted big-time—which suggests that Hamas will endure to pay said price…when in fact it should be extirpated to a man.

When the dust has settled, Lapid and Gantz and Barak and all the thoughtless, disingenuous, ultra-heterodox radicals who for almost a year fomented mob rule in the name of saving democracy—who served as useful idiots to the ayatollahs in Tehran—should be held accountable by the Israeli public. All of their fanatical disruptions and nihilism repeatedly and emphatically broadcasted an unmistakable message to Israel’s bloodthirsty foes:

“We are weak, divided, ripe for conquest. Attack us while conditions are favorable to you!”

Israel’s enemies listened, and watched, and took note. Obviously.

All with eyes to see saw this coming from miles away, and none has the right to be surprised in the least.