Israel Wants to Make This the Last War - Melanie Phillips
Oct 6, 2024
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Melanie Phillips, a prominent British journalist and author, dives into the evolving conflict in Israel, examining the trauma following the October 7 events. She discusses the resilience of Israelis and critiques biased narratives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The intertwined relationship between Judaism and Israel is explored, alongside rising anti-Semitism and misconceptions about anti-Zionism. Phillips also tackles contemporary ideologies and the historical context of Jewish achievement, emphasizing the potential for peace in the Middle East.
The Israeli resolve to end the current conflict is driven by a collective trauma stemming from past violence and recent attacks.
The ongoing war is characterized as a complex eight-front struggle against Iran's influence through proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
The moral implications of the conflict challenge the West to reassess its stance on civilization versus barbarism amid declining moral clarity.
Deep dives
The Nature of the Conflict
The ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel is characterized as an eight-front war waged through proxies. This regional war aims to prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear capabilities, which poses a significant threat to Israel. The Israeli population largely unites in the belief that this will be the final conflict, driven by the trauma and existential threat posed by recent events, particularly the horrors of October 7. The determination among Israelis is profound, rooted in a history of violence that shapes their resolve to eradicate future threats.
Life in Israel Amidst Ongoing War
Living in Israel has become profoundly affected by the war, with families directly touched by violence from Hamas in October 2022. Many families know someone affected by the conflict, whether through loss or being at the front lines. The atmosphere is filled with daily mourning as communities come together to grieve at funerals, encapsulating a sense of collective trauma and resilience. Though the populace is traumatized, the spirit and collective will to push through these challenges remain strong.
Public Sentiment and Division
Despite significant public protests in areas like Tel Aviv against Prime Minister Netanyahu's leadership and calls for hostages' return, the general sentiment in Israel is one of unity against their perceived existential threat. The loud protests represent a small minority; the majority stand firm in their support for military actions aimed at removing the threats posed by Hamas and Hezbollah. Citizens believe that the shock of recent events has solidified their resolve to never experience such a threat to existence again. The overarching sentiment is a strong will to secure a future for Israel free from the dangers they have faced historically.
Historical Context and Western Perception
The historical context complicates the narrative around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as misconceptions prevail among Western narratives portray Israel disproportionately responsible for regional tensions. There's a narrative among liberals that positions Jews as oppressors while failing to acknowledge the genocidal intentions of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This disconnect reveals a broader issue in how the West understands the conflict, often failing to address the root causes and the harsh realities faced by Israelis. The skewed perceptions shield Islamist agendas from scrutiny and leave alarming misconceptions about the motivations of the Jewish state.
The Broader Implications of the Conflict
The conflict presents a pivotal moment for the West, highlighting a choice between upholding civilization or succumbing to barbarism. The dangers surrounding this dilemma underscore that the implications extend beyond Israel, as they encompass the moral compass of the West itself. The decline in moral clarity threatens to propel the West into turmoil if it continues down a path of inaction against clear threats. Activists and the public must grapple with these challenges, as the repercussions of this conflict resonate far beyond the region, reflecting on the overall security and moral standing of the West.
Melanie Phillips is a British journalist, broadcaster and author. She has a weekly column in The Times of London and writes for the Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News Syndicate. She is a regular panellist on BBC’s The Moral Maze and speaks on public platforms throughout the English-speaking world. She is the author of the best-selling ‘Londonistan: How Britain Is Creating a Terror State Within’, ‘The World Turned Upside Down: the Global Battle over God, Truth and Power’, and her personal and political memoir ‘Guardian Angel’ - all of which are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B001K8CD4W/
Follow Melanie on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MelanieLatest
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