June 26, 2008
After a long period of stalemate, Israel is engaged in a flurry of daring, and risky, diplomatic moves with its enemies. Last week, with Egypt’s assistance, Israel and Hamas entered into a “calming” period meant to halt the almost daily bombing of the western Negev and ease Israeli military and economic measures against Hamas terrorists. On a separate front, Jerusalem and Damascus have resumed contacts, through Turkey, with the goal of one day ceasing Syria’s long proxy war with the Jewish state.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hopes the six-month calming period in Gaza will help create conditions for a wider agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The Israeli public is also demanding that the cease-fire result in the repatriation of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier being held captive by Hamas, and are disappointed that the agreement was reached before Shalit’s return was achieved.
It is understandable to be wary and even skeptical of diplomacy and negotiation — Israel and its supporters have been burned before. Israel’s military doubts the tahadiyeh (temporary cease-fire) will hold, and Olmert’s opposition thinks Hamas and its “moderate” rival in the West Bank, Fatah, will never work in tandem on a comprehensive peace.
But political and military conditions have conspired to make the alternatives almost unbearable for Israel’s leaders and many of its people. Said Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak: “Historically, we are on a collision course with Hamas. But it still makes sense to grasp this opportunity.”
American Jews invariably mobilize when Israel is at war. Their generosity is unmatched, whether the North is facing attack from Hizbullah or the South from Hamas. Their political support has assured that United States officials and the public understand Israel’s right to defend itself.
No one expects a rally to support a shaky cease-fire or fragile round of talks with an implacable enemy. But Israel isn’t asking for a rally — only that American Jews place their confidence in Israel’s democratic process and diplomatic experience. American Jews owe Israel the same kind of support it needs when it pursues peace as when it is forced to make war.
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